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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Nikola Katic in Rangers return as Hajduk Split transfer clause 'too high' reveals sporting director

Nikola Katic is on his way back to Rangers after Hajduk Split decided against a permanent deal.

The defender will now return to Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side and try establish himself in the Ibrox first-team set-up after his loan club confirmed his buy price was too high.

Katic suffered a serious knee injury but spent the season in his homeland to work on his match fitness and get crucial minutes under his belt

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It was reported that it would take a £3 milion fee to turn his loan agreement into a permanent stay at Hajduk from Rangers with sporting director Mindaugas Nikolicius confirming the price set it too high.

He said: "Nikola Katic is no longer with us, the transfer clause is too big for us.

"He is returning to Scotland and we thank him and wish him all the best."

READ MORE: Rangers will continue to 'profit' from cinch deal after fresh SPFL sponsorship agreement

Steven Gerrard - now at Aston Villa- brought the 25-year-old to the club four years ago and he has since made 59 appearances for the Ibrox men.

But he faces serious competition to earn a spot in the Rangers starting XI next season.

Ever-present defender Connor Goldson has just put pen to paper on a four-year extension while Scotland international John Souttar has arrived on a pre-contract from Hearts.

Leon King is rated very highly by the Light Blues and has been part of the first-team set up.

Versatile Calvin Bassey can also operate in the heart of the defence as well as full-back.

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