Nikica Jelavic move to Rangers in doubt after Rapid Vienna make surprise Europa announcement

Nikica Jelavic's proposed £4million move to Rangers took another twist last night when Rapid Vienna claimed the striker would be included in the squad to face Aston Villa this week.

• Nikica Jelavic

The long-running transfer saga looked to have concluded yesterday when Rangers chief executive Martin Bain reached an agreement with all parties and the 24-year-old finally agreed to sign.

However, the Austrians backed out at the 11th hour and insisted instead that Jelavic will play against Villa in the first leg of their Europa League play-off.

An angry Bain described Rapid's u-turn as unacceptable - but still expects to see the player in Glasgow today.

"We have agreed personal terms with the player having already reached an agreement with Rapid on his transfer fee," Bain told the Daily Record.

"But his club have moved the goalposts and this is not acceptable.

"We expect the player to be in Glasgow in the next 24 hours to undergo a medical."

If Jelavic becomes cup-tied for Walter Smith's Champions League campaign, Rangers would be reluctant to pay 4million for a player who could not be used in Europe.

However, Rapid insist Jelavic will be part of their plans for the game against Villa.

Sporting director Alfred Hortnagl told BBC Scotland: "He will be staying with Rapid Vienna ahead of our games against Aston Villa.

"We do not have time to bring in a new player before the matches so Jelavic won't be leaving the club."