Source: Team_Talk
Smith still hopeful of Jelavic deal
Rangers manager Walter Smith remains hopeful of signing Nikica Jelavic and expects a resolution over the potential transfer next week.[LNB] Rangers chief executive Martin Bain failed to seal a deal for Rapid Vienna's Croatia international striker Jelavic after flying to Austria this week, but on Friday Smith revealed that talks were continuing.[LNB]"Negotiations are ongoing," Smith said. "They are keen for him to play in their domestic game at the weekend.[LNB]"We will hopefully find out one way or another at the start of next week."[LNB]The 24-year-old scored 21 goals last season, including three against Celtic in the Europa League.[LNB]Smith added: "Negotiations with both the club and the player, and his agents, are ongoing.[LNB]"He's a player we have been watching for a while. As normal, the club initially weren't too keen to sell him, but then they indicated they would be happy to listen to what we had to say.[LNB]"He's a player I think would do a really good job for us."[LNB]Smith does not expect Rapid to hold out until after their Europa League play-offs later this month.[LNB]"No, there's not that fear," Smith said. "I think we have to have a resolution at some stage next week."[LNB]Meanwhile, midfielder John Fleck faces six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Clyde.[LNB]Rangers had expected the timeframe to be two to three weeks but Smith said: "Unfortunately he will miss maybe six weeks, up to that anyway. Hopefully we will get him back before then.[LNB]"It's disappointing because he has been playing well in pre-season."[LNB]Smith, who will be without Andy Webster for tomorrow's friendly against Newcastle after the defender suffered a groin strain, also gave an update on Honduran trialist Georgie Welcome.[LNB]"He has only been in a couple of days of full training," the Rangers boss said.[LNB]"Unfortunately we can't play him in any games.[LNB]"Hopefully we can get a closed-door game in the early part of next week and look at him then."
