Wigan chief Steve Bruce has confirmed he is keen to sign Scotland Under-21 striker Ross McCormack from Motherwell but denied a deal is imminent.

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 this week.

"That is not quite true," said Bruce.

"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."