Well come out strong to hold on to Marvin
Motherwell insist Marvin Johnson will not be sold – unless they get the fee they want.
It was revealed on Monday afternoon that the Motherwell winger had handed in a transfer request with a view to joining a club down south.
Speculation has been rife surrounding Johnson’s future as the 25-year-old has been a stand-out performer for the Steelmen.
Well manager Mark McGhee said after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Dundee he was amazed to have held on to Johnson.
He said: “He’s been a bit disturbed by what’s gone on recently but we know what a huge player he is for is.
“I’ve said it over and over that I’m amazed nobody has come in for him but I’m also delighted. There’s been a lot of talk about Marvin but nothing has happened.
“I’m going on the basis that isn’t going to change.”
However, it all changed on Monday and Motherwell were prompted to issue a strongly worded statement reiterating their stance on selling the highly-rated winger.
It read:“The club has been in
dialogue with Marvin and his representatives over the last few weeks – today’s official request changes nothing.
“We will not be cajoled or manoeuvred to a point where we are forced to sell a player against our will for less than an appropriate value.
“We owe it to our players, management, staff, shareholders and, most importantly, our supporters to ensure we get a fair price.
“We are determined to continue the Motherwell FC tradition of developing players and proudly watch them flourish at the highest level, but that will only happen if we receive what we deem to be a sensible offer, based on all the relevant factors.
“Only then will we sell Marvin, or any other contracted player for that matter.”
It is believed Oxford United and Oldham Athletic are the front-runners for Johnson’s signature.