Stephen Robinson says Motherwell have rejected a bid from Hull City for James Scott- before then backing the youngster for future Scotland berths.
The transfer window is into its final hours. Motherwell have been one of the quieter teams in this window, with Mikael Ndjoli the only new Fir Park arrival.
There’s been plenty of speculation over players’ futures at the club though. Trevor Carson was wanted by Livingston and Liam Donnelly was linked with Celtic. But one firm offer has been rejected.
Hull City have had a £750k bid booted out for James Scott. The Well rate the teenager higher than that although they will continue to monitor how this develops throughout the day.
Robinson has provided a transfer update, saying any transfer activity will depend on if anyone departs the club as he backs Scott to be Scotland’s future number nine, should he fulfill his potential.
“If we do lose people it’ll certainly be for good money,” said Robinson. “The timing is not great and I’ve accepted the parameters for almost five seasons now. The timing of deadline day and replacing the quality we may have to let go is very difficult.
“It’s football isn’t it? We’re at the mercy of people with more money than us. As it stands nothing has happened yet. Any transfer activity will be dependent on if anyone leaves, I had no intention of bringing anyone else in.
“If James leaves, if anybody leaves, what timing that will allow us to bring somebody else in will obviously depend. I need to be careful it’s the right person. As it stands there was a bid for James put in last night.
“It hasn’t been accepted. I’ve no idea if our resolve will be tested. I said at the start of the season I thought I’d get £1 million for him.
“He’s got bags of potential and he’s big to what we do. I’ve got a brilliant board and they know it’s difficult to hang onto players and there’s got to be a line where it’s really good for the club financially. The timeline isn’t great but I’ve got a board who’ll do the right thing for Motherwell, always.
“I think anyone who gets James Scott are getting a real good talent, he’s so talented. If he fulfils his potential he’ll go right to the very top. James is easy maintenance, a young man enjoying football and life.
“For me, he’s a number nine, and he can be Scotland’s number nine for a long time to come if he fulfils that physical potential. If he stays I’ll be absolutely delighted. But if you’re an electrician or a plumber and you’re getting offered 10x your money to move to a company at a higher level, it’s very difficult to turn that down.
“You’re tomorrow’s fish and chips paper if you don’t do it here and now so no one would begrudge anyone moving on.”