HIBERNIAN have seen a bid of around £200,000 for Ross McCrorie knocked back by Rangers after boss Jack Ross made his move to sign the midfielder on Wednesday.

Herald and Times Sport revealed last week that Ross had identified McCrorie as one of his top targets this summer and was leading the race to beat off competition from England and abroad.

A loan move had initially been seen as the most likely agreement but Hibernian offered a six-figure fee for McCrorie. That bid was subsequently rejected and the Easter Road outfit will now consider their options.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard remains keen to retain McCrorie as part of his squad this term but it is understood the 22-year-old is open to a switch away from Ibrox to play first team football.

A loan deal could still be agreed if the clubs cannot reach a settlement on a transfer fee as McCrorie considers his options over the best move for his career.

McCrorie was part of the Gers squad for the Europa League clash with Bayer Leverkusen last midweek but didn’t make Gerrard’s matchday group for the Premiership opener with Aberdeen or the win over St Mirren on Sunday.

The midfielder established himself as a first team regular under Graeme Murty but has struggled to nail down a regular place in the team since Gerrard arrived at Ibrox.

McCrorie spent last season on-loan at Portsmouth and still has two years to run on his current Light Blues contract but the lure of regular action may be enough to tempt him away from his boyhood heroes.