Sources: Motherwell star Max Johnston set to leave as English clubs swoop
Motherwell sensation Max Johnston has major interest from English clubs ahead of the summer window and is ready to reject a confirmed contract extension to go, sources have told Football Insider.
The 19-year-old defender is out of contract at the end of the season and could now walk away from Fir Park amid interest from south of the border.
Motherwell would be due a development fee from any potential destination for Johnston.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that the talented right-back is now “likely” to depart the Scottish Premiership side in the off-season.
He is seen as a great talent by many in and around the setup at Motherwell and in Scottish football, with Celtic among those who have kept close tabs.
Johnston made his debut for the club back in the 2020-21 season but has recently made a full breakthrough since returning from a loan spell at Scottish Championship side Cove Rangers in January.
The Well cut short that move, during which he notched three assists in 12 games, and have subsequently installed him in their own starting eleven.
He has started 11 Scottish Premiership games, scoring two and assisting a further three goals.
As quoted by the BBC (13 April), Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell confirmed the club have made a new contract offer to Johnston but conceded he may want to “take time” over a final decision.
He added there is “nothing to suggest” the starlet won’t sign a new deal.
But English sides are now sitting up and taking notice of the three-cap Scotland Under-21 international, who was born in Middlesbrough.
Motherwell sit eighth in the Scottish Premiership ahead of their clash with Celtic on Saturday (22 April).
In other news, Scottish sensation heads to Aston Villa as Leeds United deal hijacked.