Potential Bristol City catch Ross McCormack: Player profile

Leeds United player Ross McCormack could be set for a move to Bristol City, after rejecting a new contract offer made by manager Neil Warnock.

The 25-year-old Scotland international striker’s deal expires at the end of next season, but sources in Yorkshire suggest Leeds are prepared to cash in on the player, rather than allow him to see out his contract and depart as a free agent in 12 months.

Glasgow-born Ross McCormack started his career with Rangers in 2003, making his first appearance on May 1, 2004 against future club Motherwell at the age of 17.

In the 2005/06 season he scored an equalizing goal in a 1–1 draw with FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League, in what was his first European appearance for the club.

McCormack made his début for the Scotland U21in 2006, and for the senior side on May 30, 2008.

Heading south

The player went out on loan to League One Doncaster Rovers in January 2006 in order to gain first team experience. The then 19-year-old scored five times for the club, but at the end of the season was told he did not figure in Paul Le Guen's plans at Ibrox, and so was free to leave.

He was released by Rangers, for whom he made 14 appearances, and joined fellow Scottish Premier League side Motherwell. Boss Maurice Malpas was a big fan of McCormack, having worked with him with the Scotland Under-21 squad.

The striker signed a two-year deal at Fir Park.

McCormack's first season with Motherwell was plagued by injury, and he scored just three times in 15 appearances.

At a crossroads

In 2008, as the end of his contract drew closer, McCormack made it clear he hoped to extend his stay at Motherwell. Rumours spread that Middlesbrough were closing in on a deal for the player, and Hearts and Wigan soon joined the chase.

In February the player spoke of his delight at agreeing to join Wigan, but in the end Cardiff City was to be his next move.

McCormack scored 21 goals in 28 appearances during his first year at Cardiff, but towards the end of the season suffered a grade one tear to his hamstring which saw him sidelined for several weeks.

Looking elsewhere

In July 2009 McCormack signed a new four-year contract with the Championship club. But just three weeks later he handed in a transfer request.

The request was, in effect, rejected, because he had a gentleman's agreement with Cardiff where he could leave for a Premier League club if a bid is made for his services.

Days later McCormack said he would be interested in a move to Hull City, as he wanted to leave Cardiff because he was not being played as a striker.

"I'm a striker. I'm here to score goals. I want to score as many goals as I can,” McCormack told Wales on Sunday.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones hit back McCormack's claim that he did not believe he would be in the Bluebirds' first-choice XI. Jones was reported to be irked by the player’s comment that he expected to be behind Jay Bothroyd and Michael Chopra .

Up for grabs

In August 2010 Cardiff City made McCormack available for loan. Leeds quickly made their way to the forefront, agreeing an undisclosed fee with Cardiff by late August.

The move was completed shortly afterwards.

McCormack was nominated for the Championship Player of the Month Award for September 2010/11, and was linked with moves to Premier League clubs Blackburn Rovers and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

In February this year McCormack expressed his frustration at being overlooked by Scotland coach Craig Levein after being left out of the squad to face Slovenia.

Weeks later the player was offered a new contract by Leeds. Manager Warnock told Sky Sports: “We've offered Ross what we feel is a good wage, whether it's acceptable to Ross I think we'll know in the next couple of weeks.”

Shortly after Warnock announced he expected McCormack to turn down the enhanced terms put to him.

Reports have emerged in recent weeks that McCormack is wanted by Huddersfield Town manager Simon Grayson. Today The Post revealed Bristol City are weighing up a move for the player.