West Ham striker Nikica Jelavic (center) sprints clear of Swansea City's Federico Fernandez. (Photo : Getty Images)
Croatian footballer Nikica Jelavic is reportedly on the brink of moving to Chinese second division club Beijing Renhe FC as the country's winter transfer window winds down two weeks from now.
SkySports reported that the transfer deal for the 30-year-old striker, who is currently suited up for English Premier League squad West Ham United FC, is "95 percent done" as per "a source close to the negotiations".
Jelavic was signed by the Irons in September of last year to a two-year deal worth £3 million from English second tier team Hull City.
However, the Croatia international was not able to ensure a consistent playing time in Slaven Bilić's starting lineup as he had come off the bench in 13 of his 15 appearances with the team in all competitions, scoring only twice in the process.
The Čapljina, SFR Yugoslavia native began his senior football career with Croatian club HNK Hajduk Split in 2002 and also had short stints with Zulte Waregem, Rapid Wien, and Rangers FC before settling with Premier League club Everton FC in January of 2012.
He then played three seasons with the Toffees, appearing in 69 games and scoring 21 goals, which is perhaps the most productive years of his career.
Daily Mail Online indicated that Beijing Renhe is prepared to buy Jelavic for a transfer fee of £4 million and is now "set to travel to the Chinese capital to complete formalities on his move this week".
Beijing Renhe placed 15th in the Chinese Super League last season, which resulted in its relegation this season to China League One, the country's second division of association football competitions.
Reports were out in the past weeks that five-time CSL champions Guangzhou Evergrande are also interested in dealing for Jelavic, but it was the second tier capital city squad who ultimately snagged the Croatian forward.
Meanwhile, recent rumors have also emerged that an undisclosed Chinese club has also made a big offer on Jelavic's teammate, winger Dimitri Payet, amounting to about £38 million. It was said that West Ham is keen on giving Payet and improved contract to keep him at the Upton Park, but the situation is allegedly different when it comes to Jelavic.
