RANGERS were today bracing themselves for a bid of around £7million from West Ham for Nikica Jelavic.

The two clubs have been in ongoing contact during the January window and the Ibrox club now expect an offer to come in for their Croatian top scorer. Jelavic's exit would be unpopular with fans, especially since manager Ally McCoist would receive a fraction of the cash for a replacement.

McCoist revealed on Saturday that Rangers owner Craig Whyte had held talks with West Ham chairman David Sullivan.

Despite speculation about interest from QPR and Liverpool, West Ham have shown the most enthusiasm so far for the 26-year-old who has scored TURN TO PAGE 41