Hajduk Split have opted against signing Rangers centre-back Nikola Katic on a permanent basis.

The Croatian club had an option to buy the defender for £3m in their loan agreement but sporting director Mindaugas Nikolicius has revealed that they have opted against triggering the purchase clause:

“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.”

It leaves Giovanni van Bronckhorst with a decision to make. Katic was loaned out by previous manager Steven Gerrard so the current Gers boss hasn’t really seen the player in action. The most likely scenario is that the 25-year-old will be given pre-season to see whether he can make an impact.

After John Souttar’s arrival from Hearts and Connor Goldson’s decision to stay at Ibrox, van Bronckhorst already has a number of options at centre-half. Filip Helander and Leon King will rival Souttar and Goldson for first-team starts, while Jack Simpson is still at the club. With James Sands also able to play in the position, it is hard to see where Katic would fit in.