Swedish club GAIS have refuted suggestions they may not be entitled to training compensation from Rangers for the transfer of Mervan Celik.

The forward moved to Glasgow as a free agent during the January window but, as he is under 23, his former club are entitled to a payment for his development.

Reports in Scotland on Friday morning stated GAIS failed to offer Celik a contract at least 60 days before the end of his previous deal, which expired in December.

Failure to offer a deal can render a club’s claim to compensation invalid, meaning Rangers could potentially land the player for nothing.

GAIS though are adamant they did comply with FIFA’s regulations by offering Celik a contract and say they believe Rangers will have to meet their claim for £240,000.

“We had discussions with Mervan during August and September,” GAIS director Leif Gjulem told STV.

“We didn’t agree on the terms in person but we sent him an offer in the post on September 29. We have all the necessary papers to show that.

“We don’t know why Rangers are making so much fuss about a small amount of money. We are aware they have financial difficulties.

“We have sent them an e-mail to tell them how they can pay. We now feel we have to get in touch with Rangers about what they intend to do.

“We are going to take help from the Swedish FA. We will also consider going to FIFA if we are not paid within 90 days.

“There is a lot of time before we have to take that action. If we have to do that, then we will do it because the money is important for us.

“Mervan was a great guy and a great footballer. It is a pity this could be a problem for him.”

Rangers were unavailable for comment when contacted by STV on Friday as to whether they intended to pursue the matter, or whether they were happy to meet the compensation figure.

Clubs who are due to pay training compensation have 30 days from the point of the player's registration to make payment. A player is free to play for his new club before money changes hands.

If the money is not paid within the timescale outlined, GAIS can take the matter to FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber.