Nikica Jelavic denies he forced transfer to Everton from Rangers Published on Thursday 2 February 2012 18:36 NIKICA Jelavic insists he did not force his transfer to Everton despite claims from Rangers chairman Craig Whyte that he had no choice but to sanction their top goalscorer's exit on transfer deadline day. The Croatian striker, who netted 17 goals for the Scottish champions this season, moved to the Barclays Premier League club for a fee reported to be around £5.5million. In an open letter to supporters on Rangers" website as Jelavic was finalising the switch to Goodison Park, Whyte said: "One, the player wanted to leave and there is no point in trying to keep a player who no longer wants to be at Ibrox. However, Jelavic appeared to contradict those comments by claiming today that Rangers ultimately had the final say in his departure. 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. Jelavic also expressed concerns over the troubling times his former club is facing but backed Rangers to overcome a difficult period. The Glasgow giants continue to face financial uncertainty as they await the verdict of a tax tribunal, which could leave them with a bill as high as £49million if they lose the dispute with HMRC. Whyte this week also issued a denial over allegations he used season ticket sales to fund his takeover of the club in May. Jelavic added: "It is a difficult situation for them I know and I heard inside information about them having problems. It is still my team and my friends are there and I am worried about the situation but I think they will find a solution because they are a big institution. Rangers were unable to secure a replacement for Jelavic ahead of Tuesday's deadline after failing with a bid to sign Norwich striker Grant Holt. But Jelavic believes McCoist's men can still retain their SPL crown this season despite his departure, while paying tribute to his former team. He said: "It was difficult for me but we are professional and that is football. It was difficult because they gave me a beautiful 18 months, two trophies, many goals and it was not easy. This is football and we are all professionals. I just want to say thanks to everyone from Rangers, they will have a special place in my heart always. With or without me I don't see why they shouldn't win the championship - they are a good team and there are plenty of games to go. Meanwhile, assistant manager Kenny McDowall has predicted an entertaining tussle when Rangers host Dundee United in the fifth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup this weekend. He told www.rangers.co.uk: "It's an SPL standard game but with the wee bit of added spice because it's a cup tie. United are always difficult opponents. Peter Houston and Paul Hegarty always have them well organised and we know they'll work until the last minute. It's a game that we need to be patient in but we know we need to try to get ourselves in front in the game and take it from there. It was good to get back to winning ways at the weekend. We were obviously disappointed about the result against Aberdeen but I think the boys came out and did well.