Rangers conclude Jelavić move from Rapid

Nikica Jelavić has completed his protracted move from SK Rapid Wien to Scottish champions Rangers FC.

The 24-year-old Croatian international striker has signed a four-year deal with the Ibrox club subject to a work permit being secured after passing a medical on Friday. The two clubs had earlier agreed fee of around €5m for Jelavić, who did not play for the Austrian outfit in Thursday's UEFA Europa League play-off tie against Aston Villa FC, fearing it would scupper his chances of appearing for Rangers in this season's UEFA Champions League group stage.

"I know [countryman] Dado [Pršo] was a huge favourite of the Rangers fans and if I come even close to him then it will be good," said the new arrival. "I spoke to Dado and he told me: 'Look if you have a chance to go to Rangers it's something unbelievable and you must go.' I want to win trophies with Rangers, play well in the Champions League and score many goals for the club."

Jelavić, who scored 27 goals in 71 league games for Rapid, started his career at HNK Hajduk Split, spending a season in Belgium with SV Zulte-Waregem, before moving to Vienna – initially on loan – in 2008. Capped six times, he is the third signing of the summer for Walter Smith's side following the arrivals of Vladimír Weiss on loan from Manchester City FC and James Beattie, who joined on a two-year deal from Stoke City FC.