Motherwell ‘would love’ to keep Max Johnston as Burnley prepare to battle Premier League duo Fulham and Crystal Palace for the teenager signature.
There’s certainly something in the water north of the border. Spain is renowned for producing nimble playmakers, England rapid-fire wingers. Scotland, meanwhile, are emerging as the nation of the full-back.
Over the last few seasons, Kieran Tierney, Josh Doig, Aaron Hickey and Calvin Ramsay all secured big moves to some of Europe’s major leagues after making their name at Celtic, Hibernian, Hearts and Aberdeen respectively. And you’d be hard pressed to find a better left-back over the last five years than Liverpool’s Andy Robertson.
19-year-old Max Johnston, meanwhile, is attracting interest from a number of clubs south of the border. Reports say that Crystal Palace, Fulham, West Brom and newly-promoted Burnley are among the talented right-backs admirers.
But while Johnston’s Motherwell contract is due to expire in July, head coach Stuart Kettlewell has not given up hope of retaining the Scotland U21 international at Firhill.
Burnley, Fulham and Crystal Palace like Max Johnston
“There’s been nothing to suggest (that he won’t be here next season),” Kettlewell tells the Daily Record.
“I’ve got a really good relationship with Max. He’s started every game since I came in and I knew he was a good player before I came in. I know how good he is. And I am seeing him improve and flourish every time he takes to the pitch.”
Johnston has two goals and six assists this term; his ‘fantastic’ delivery from wide areas standing out. Kettlewell, meanwhile, confirms that the Middlesbrough-born Scot has been offered a new deal.
“There has been an offer made to the player. I understand that he might want to take time over that. But the simple message to Max was that we need him to go and keep performing how he has been of late, and show how good a player he is,” adds the former Ross County boss.
“Sometimes everything else going on in the background can be a bit of a distraction. But he gets full marks from me with how he has handled himself in this situation.
“I can assure people that we would love to have him here next season. We are working really hard on it.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
