Hutton spurns Spurs

Rangers defender Alan Hutton has rejected the chance to join Tottenham.

The 23-year-old had looked to be on his way to the Barclays Premier League when Spurs made their move on Thursday, however Hutton is understood to have turned down the chance of a move to White Hart Lane.

The Scotland right-back had looked to be nearing the end of his Ibrox career following reports of an £8million bid from the north London side.

There was contact between the two clubs and Hutton was informed of the potential opportunity to move south of the border. However, on Thursday night Hutton decided the move did not suit him, and the deal appears to have broken down irretrievably.

Tottenham representatives are known to have watched Hutton in action, and his outstanding performance over the past year has attracted plenty of attention from England.

The 23-year-old has made the number two shirt his own for club and country, starring for Rangers in the Champions League and for Scotland during their Euro 2008 qualifying matches.

Hutton was lauded by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as a player who "looks as though he will become a superstar" in the future following his display against Italy at Hampden in November.

He was also outstanding in Scotland's 1-0 victory over France in Paris, and Rangers have been understandably keen to keep him in Glasgow.

The bid from Tottenham was sufficiently high for Rangers to leave a decision on the move up to Hutton, who signed a new five-year contract last July.

His loyalty to Rangers will delight the club's supporters, who see Hutton as a key player in the club's future.