Rangers have hit back at claims made by their former striker, Nikica Jelavic, that he did not force his deadline day move to Everton.

The Croatian said in his first media conference as a Toffees player that he would have happily stayed at Ibrox, only for chairman Craig Whyte to make the final decision to sell him.

Rangers’ chief operations officer, Ali Russell, denies Jelavic was sold against his wishes and says the player was in control of his own destiny.

"Nikica told Ally McCoist personally on Monday he wanted to move to the English Premier League so to suggest he didn't want to leave Rangers is nonsense," said Russell.

"Nikica, and indeed his family, were widely quoted throughout January about playing in England and his agent also communicated the fact he wanted to achieve a lifetime ambition and test himself in the Premier League.

"He wants to earn a starting place for Croatia at Euro 2012 and felt a move to England's top flight would help him achieve that.

"Nikica was a terrific player for Rangers and we wish him well at Everton but to suggest he was forced to leave Ibrox is just ridiculous."

Jelavic confirmed on Thursday he did hold talks with manager McCoist earlier in the week, but had a different interpretation of events.

He said: "My dream was to play in the English Premier League but I never forced my transfer.

"I spoke with Ally McCoist and said if the president wants me to stay I'll stay and if they need money and want me to leave, I'll leave - the club decided."

IN DETAIL

• Nikica Jelavic: I didn’t force Rangers exit