Wigan and Middlesbrough target Ross McCormack will leave Motherwell - but not until the end of the season - manager Mark McGhee has insisted.
McGhee had offered the 21-year-old in-form striker a contract extension.
"I think it's got to the stage where we'll find it difficult, and maybe have to concede that it is impossible to prevent him going," said the manager.
"But he won't be going before the summer unless something extraordinary happens in the next week."
Wigan Athletic this week registered their interest in McCormack.
The former Rangers striker had already held talks with their English Premier League rivals, Middlesbrough.
"We're just having a look at him, monitoring the situation"
McCormack, who had a spell in English football on loan to Doncaster, could sign a pre-contract agreement with another club.
Wigan boss Steve Bruce has admitted the 21-year-old is a player he would like to add to his squad.
"McCormack is one who is interesting us because he's out of contract in the summer," he said.
McCormack has been in terrific form for the Steelmen this season, scoring nine goals.
The Scotland under-21 international also scored their Scottish Cup fourth-round replay winner against Hearts this week.
But Motherwell McGhee is reluctant to let the player leave and McCormack himself feels that leaving so soon after the death of captain Phil O'Donnell would not be good timing.
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Latics boss Bruce admitted that any potential move for the player was at an early stage.
"At the moment, we're just having a look at him, monitoring the situation," he added.
"He's one for the future really."
Motherwell would be due compensation should McCormack reject a new contract and leave for another club at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, McGhee has played down speculation linking him with the manager's job at Southampton vacated by Scotland's new national coach, George Burley.
McGhee, who had been on the SFA shortlist with Burley, said: "The weather there is certainly better and it's only 45 minutes from my home to the training ground.
"It's nice to be linked with any job, but I am excited by what's happening here."
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