Wigan manager Steve Bruce has confirmed he is keen to sign Scotland Under-21 striker Ross McCormack from Motherwell.Former Rangers forward McCormack, 21, has also attracted interest from Middlesbrough and is almost certain to leave Motherwell when his contract expires in the summer.

Bruce played down reports the striker would sign a pre-contract deal with Wigan on Thursday, though, saying: "That is not quite true. We have had negotiations with Motherwell, we have opened discussions.

"We are keen and interested in the player, but that's the way it is at the moment. But we are interested, yes.

"One thing that is for certain is that nothing will be done now."

McCormack has started 22 games for Motherwell this season, hitting nine goals for a side who currently stand fourth in the SPL, three points behind third-placed Dundee United with three games in hand.

Motherwell boss Mark McGhee has suggested he will attempt to sign McCormack up to a new contract, however a move to the Premier League appears more likely.

Bruce said: "He is one that we have targeted, we have had a look at, and he is of an interest to us. So we will see how it progresses."

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