Who is Sean McGurk? Wigan Athletic talent profiled amid Leeds United interest

Sean McGurk was one of a number of Wigan Athletic academy stars Leeds United considered in the summer and the Whites are believed to remain interested in the 17-year-old.

We take a closer look at the Latics youngster...

Who is Sean McGurk and why are Leeds United interested?

Sean McGurk is an attacking midfielder who plays for League One outfit Wigan Athletic.

The 17-year-old is yet to make his senior debut for the Latics, but is one of the academy's highly-rated youngsters.

McGurk caught the eye in last season's FA Youth Cup as he scored against Birmingham City and Manchester United.

His goal against the Red Devils came at Old Trafford in a 2-1 defeat, where he crashed a half-volley off the underside of the crossbar before grabbing headlines with his celebration for being a Liverpool supporter.

McGurk has scored 25 goals in 31 starts for Wigan's Under-18s side in the last 18 months.

Elland Road sporting director Victor Orta has made a huge push in signing emerging talent from academies across Europe in recent years.

Just last summer the Whites landed the signature of fellow Wigan prospect Joe Gelhardt for the Whites Under-23s side along with Cody Drameh, Sam Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville.

The likes of Pascal Struijk, Leif Davis, Elia Caprile, Jordan Stevens and Bryce Hosannah have all be snapped up.

McGurk would also be seen as a player for the future, like those who arrived under Orta's watch.

How much will he cost and when is his contract up?

McGurk's contract is up in the summer and Wigan are looking to cash in on his talent amid their off-field financial woes.

Leeds have been chasing his signature for a while but have failed to land McGurk on a permanent basis thus far.

United have reportedly been knocked in their most recent approach by Wigan's hierarchy and administers who, like Gelhardt, are expected to demand at least a fee of six figures.

Should Leeds fail in their bid to sign him this month they may be able to land him in the summer but risk losing out to other potential suitors. Any fee, though, would be decided by tribunal under the current youth player rules.

Who else is interested in his services?

If reports are correct then Scottish Premiership leaders Rangers are also interested in snapping up his services.

Steven Gerrard is said to know McGurk from his time with Liverpool's academy before his move into senior management north of the border.

It remains to be seen if the Ibrox club will make any official move.