York City defender David McGurk has outlined his reasons for wanting to leave Bootham Crescent for Luton Town.

McGurk, who was left devastated by City’s Blue Square Premier play-off final defeat against Oxford United in May, feels that Luton can provide him with a better chance of fulfilling his ambition of playing in the Football League again.

City boss Gary Mills has rejected a written transfer request from McGurk and the board have turned down two offers from Kenilworth Road, with the second believed to be in the region of £40,000.

The Hatters are keen, however, to secure the services of last season’s Press Player of the Year before Friday’s deadline for loan signings by agreeing a fee for when the transfer window reopens in January.

A 17-point gap currently separates 16th-placed City from Luton, who lie third in the league standings.

McGurk, who is contracted to the Minstermen until the summer of 2012, produced two talismanic displays during last season’s two-legged play-off semi-final victory over the Bedfordshire outfit, earning a rare ten out of ten Press rating for his performance in the decisive 1-0 away victory.

The 28-year-old defender has racked up 320 appearances for City, making his debut back in 2004 while on loan from Darlington, then in the Football League.

It is understood that the salary offered by Luton is not dissimilar to the new deal City have offered McGurk, pictured, in response to his transfer request and the Middlesbrough-born defender cites ambition rather than money as a reason for his desire to move on.

McGurk told The Press: “During my time at York City I have had, and still have, a great relationship with the manager, the McGill family, the supporters, team-mates and staff. As a professional footballer my career is not a long one, however.

“I am ambitious and, at 28, want to return to the Football League as soon as possible.

“It is flattering that Luton have come in for me and they are demonstrating ambition to return to the Football League where I am desperate to play. “York are a fantastic club but I would like to move on to a new challenge and I hope that York do not stand in my way.

“I feel the offer York have rejected is a fair one and that the asking price is unrealistic. “I have played three matches since the written transfer request and have given 100 per cent as I always have.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at City but I would like to take the Luton opportunity to match the ambitions I have in football.”