Leeds United may pip Premiership side Wigan for the signature of Hamilton midfielder James McArthur.

The much sought after midfielder looks to be heading for the JJB Stadium after he enjoyed a successful three-day trial with Roberto Martinez’s side in April.

The Latics boss appeared to have reached agreement with Accies’ chief Ronnie MacDonald for a deal worth around £800,000 to grab the former Scotland Under-21 internationalist.

However, SportTimes understands newly-promoted Championship side Leeds see McArthur’s playmaking skills as pivotal to their ability to achieve back-to-back promotions and return to the promised land of the cash-laden Premiership.

The Yorkshire giants are understood to have made contact with Accies chairman MacDonald over the weekend, intimating their intention to hijack the Wigan bid with a fee of close to a £1million plus add-ons.

An Accies source said: “It had appeared James was off to Wigan and the deal was cast in stone.

“James enjoyed his trial down there and was impressed with Roberto Martinez and what he wanted next season.

“James was also delighted at the prospect of playing alongside former Accies team-mate James McCarthy, who has been a major success at Wigan.

“But Leeds have come in and are determined to get James and look like they are prepared to go higher than Wigan.

“Leeds are a massive club and if they can get back up to the Premier-ship, then they are the bigger side.

“Plus, with Robert Snodgrass also at Elland Road, James has a mate from his Scotland Under-21 days.

“But the chairman has always said that James would never end up at a club he did not want to go to, so there are other factors involved rather than just the financial aspects.”

It is also believed West Bromwich Albion have re-affirmed their interest in McArthur.

The Accies star left for a holiday in Mexico earlier today.

It is understood the player is aware of the development and will be kept in touch of the potential tug-of-war for his signature.

The hugely impressive McArthur made his first-team debut for Accies in January, 2005, as a 16-year-old against Ross County.

In May, 2008, after helping his side to SPL promotion, McArthur was rewarded with a three-year contract.

He has also been tracked by Sheffield United and Sunderland this season, with Rangers also credited with an interest.

But with Wigan having earmarked McArthur for a sitting role in the Latics midfield, their determination to bring McArthur to the North West will now be tested.