MICHAEL BEALE insists he has 'not been told' that Rangers have had a bid rejected for Swansea City forward Morgan Whittaker.

Swans boss Russell Martin has claimed that Rangers had been rebuffed in their approach to make Whittaker their first signing of the January transfer window.

Beale was asked about Martin's comments after the win over Kilmarnock on Wednesday night and said: “Did he really? I didn’t know we had made a bid but I will talk about the player. They have recalled him for a reason.

"I would say that he was one of the better if not the best player in League One in the first half of the season and unless they have recalled him to play him, they must have recalled him to move him to a higher level.

"I think he is a good player but there is nothing more than that. And that is not what I have been told in-house.”

Rangers maintained their unbeaten run under Beale thanks to an Alfredo Morelos double and Ryan Kent effort that saw them come from behind at Rugby Park.

READ MORE: Five key issues as Rangers come from behind to see off Kilmarnock

Both players are out of contract in the summer and are free to speak to other clubs about Bosman switches as Rangers continue negotiations this term.

Beale said: "We are certainly not resigned to them leaving. The schedule has been really heaving and we are finding a break in it to sit down and have a conversation.

"I get on with both boys really well. I've known Ryan longer but they have been excellent for me since I have came in and their commitment is shown by their goals and performances so lets focus on that for a minute.

"Then Ross and myself will talk to these boys. But they have to do what they want to do and give their opinion as well on where they see themselves. There is a lot to be discussed you might say."