Rangers’ hopes of signing Wigan midfielder Sean McGurk have been given a boost after Leeds had a bid turned down for the 17-year-old, according to reports.

The teenager’s deal at the English League One side expires in the summer and he is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with the Gers.

However, the involvement of Leeds had complicated matters with the Premier League club intending to sign McGurk before the transfer window shuts at the end of this month.

It remains to be seen whether the Whites will return with an improved offer for the midfielder but it will also give manager Steven Gerrard more time to persuade the youngster into moving to Ibrox.

Gerrard saw McGurk come through the academy at Liverpool and it appears he has been tracking the player’s progress even after he left the Reds for the Latics. The young midfielder has yet to make his senior debut but he impressed in the English FA Youth Cup last season, scoring in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.