Rangers star Hutton turns down big-money move to Spurs

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The Premiership club had made Hutton their leading target for the January transfer window and submitted a lucrative offer that the Ibrox outfit were willing to consider in principle.

Hutton was informed of the bid, which would have matched the amount Sunderland paid for Craig Gordon, but decided he wanted to remain with Walter Smith's men.

The player is understood to earn around £12,000 per week with Rangers and could have almost trebled that amount by opting to pursue a deal with the London club.

His commitment to remain in place has delighted the Ibrox hierarchy, although they must now wait to see whether Manchester United step up their reported interest in the 23-year-old before the transfer window closes.

Newcastle United have also been linked with a move for the player, widely regard as Scotland's most improved over the course of 2007, who signed a new five-year deal in July.

White Hart Lane technical director Damien Comolli - who is the man in charge of transfers at the club - watched Hutton in action against Hearts at Ibrox recently.

That was the third such personal check, as Spurs highlighted the Murray Park graduate as the man to add a new dimension to their squad.

It is believed they were willing to negotiate the trading of fringe players from their squad as part of the deal, with winger Wayne Routledge one of the names under consideration as a makeweight in the deal.

Hutton, though, has decided to continue his key role in Rangers' push for the SPL title and a lengthy run in the UEFA Cup after dropping out of the Champions League.

It is possible that could change if there are further offers before the month is out but yesterday's developments will have heartened Smith, who has been the driving force behind Hutton's remarkable resurgence.

Credited by the raiding defender with restoring his confidence since taking over the reins 12 months ago, Smith has been rewarded with a string of excellent performances from Hutton - form he has matched on the international scene with Scotland.

The Ibrox manager admitted yesterday he would not rush into any incoming deals over the coming month - and would have to be sure new additions could slot straight into his first team.

"We'll just work our way through like every other club," Smith told Rangers' official website. "It's an awkward time, the January transfer window.

"Clubs don't want to let good players leave at this specific time. At the present moment, we have a good pool of players and we are happy with the squad.

"We have improvements that could be made in one or two positions but, unless we can find players who are better, we will go on with the squad that we have. But I would hope, like everyone else, we will be able to add one or maybe two."

Smith is also hoping to have Charlie Adam available for tomorrow's visit of Dundee United as the midfielder makes good progress following a thigh injury.

However, Lee McCulloch is still struggling with a calf injury, while Bosnian defender Sasa Papac is also a fitness doubt after being hit by tonsillitis and flu over the festive period.