Oldham’s hopes of keeping their hot shot defender have suffered a blow as it appears their improved, long-term offer, has been rebuffed.

George Edmundson has rejected a contract offer from Oldham Athletic, according to the Daily Record. This comes as Rangers recently had a £400,000 bid rejected by the Latics.

D3D4 Podcast Extra – Reviewing the play-offs with Pete Wild

The 21-year-old, D3D4 Football’s InStat Young Player of the Season for League Two, is widely expected to move on from Boundary Park this summer and the Lancashire side are hoping to command a sizeable fee for the talented young defender’s services.

Edmundson appears keen on a move to Ibrox and may have made his chances of moving on more likely after rejecting an improved contract.

It is understood that Hull City and Peterborough United have also had bids rejected, although Peterborough’s owner has denied interest.

It is thought that Oldham named an acceptable price, rumoured to be around £400,000, but have decided to hold out for more.

Owner Abdallah Lemsagam recently stated his disappointment with the previous regimes devaluation of club assets including the playing squad citing ‘unfavourable deals’ when selling talent as part of the problem.

Rangers are refusing to enter a bidding war and are unlikely to significantly up their offer. Wigan Athletic, Stoke City and Derby County are also thought to be interested.