The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
County ‘have turned down Stewart bids’
Kettlewell: Valuation was not met
Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell has confirmed the Staggies have turned down advances for forward Ross Stewart this summer. Stewart, who is in the final year of his contract, has attracted interest from clubs both north and south of the border after ending last season as County’s joint leading goalscorer. The 24-year-old has been linked with Hibernian and Aberdeen, while English League One clubs Fleetwood Town and Shrewsbury Town are also believed to be interested. Kettlewell says a number of bids since January have failed to meet County’s valuation, with
Kettlewell warning the Staggies are under no more pressure to sell during the coronavirus pandemic.
Kettlewell said: “There have been bids for probably the last six or seven months or so, going back to January. There have been bits of interest in this transfer window, but there’s been genuinely nothing worth talking about as it stands just now.
“Nobody has come near our valuation of the player. Nobody has put something down in front of us that we think is worth having a look at.
“Until that day when somebody comes forward and offers something that turns our heads, there’s not much point in us talking about it.
“That won’t change until such time as the chairman comes to me and says there is something on the table we indeed to discuss – and that’s definitely not been there.”
Stewart netted 11 goals in 26 games in his first top-flight campaign last season and Kettlewell says it would take a hefty offer for the Staggies to consider cashing in.
He added: “If you believe you have a player who will hit double figures in the Premiership, until somebody shows some deal that would dramatically improve your financial situation, there’s no point even thinking about it.”
Although Kettlewell is hopeful of tying Stewart down on a longer deal, he insists his prime focus is on ensuring he replicates his success of last term.
“We believe, until something changes, he’s here for next season minimum – and hopefully a wee bit longer.”