Rapid exit for Nikica Jelavic makes it a Rangers double

RANGERS were close to completing a double continental signing last night, as Vladimir Weiss signed a one-year deal and Nikica Jelavic refused to play for Rapid Vienna in the Europa League to avoid being cup-tied prior to a move to Ibrox.

• Nikica Jelavic: on his way to Ibrox it seems

Confirmation that Weiss has signed on a one-year loan from Manchester City came yesterday afternoon. The Slovakian winger, who had earlier been linked with Celtic, Stuttgart and Sampdoria, played in three of his country's matches at the World Cup.

Weiss is Walter Smith's second signing of the transfer window following the arrival of striker James Beattie from Stoke, and last night it appeared to be only a matter of time before Jelavic became new boy No 3. Rangers have agreed personal terms with the 24-year-old from Croatia, and Rapid Vienna have accepted an offer of 4million for the striker. Prior to Beattie, Smith had not bought a player for two years.

Last night's dispute was expected to be no more than a minor hitch in the move, despite Rapid's threat to fine Jelavic for his refusal to play against Aston Villa in the play-off first leg. Indeed, if Jelavic had agreed to turn out for the Austrian club that would have been a bigger threat to his prospective move, as Rangers would then have been unable to play him the Champions League.

Last night Rapid president Rudolf Edlinger appeared to concede defeat in the club's attempts to keep Jelavic in the side for at least one more match. "Contrary to all expectations, Nikica Jelavic said today that he did to not want to play for SK Rapid," Edlinger told the club's official website.

"It is a shock to the entire Rapid-family. Rapid is a club with heart and emotion.

"But, if someone on his own, at such short notice, says he does not want to play in Rapid, then he can go because he lets down not only the team but also the whole club. I think that our fans will understand the decision of SK Rapid."

The signing of Weiss was finalised by Rangers chief executive Martin Bain at the club's Murray Park training complex. The 20-year-old is now set to go straight into the squad for Sunday's SPL clash with Hibernian at Easter Road, scene of Rangers' title triumph last season. Rangers and Hibs both won their opening games last weekend.