MOTHERWELL have slapped a £1million price tag on star winger Marvin Johnson after rejecting a bid from Oxford United.
The League One club stated their interest in the ex-Kidderminster Harriers player earlier this week and submitted a formal offer on Wednesday.
SportTimes understands the amount fell far short of what Motherwell are willing to accept for their prized asset – who still has two years left to run on his contract.
READ MORE: Oxford United declare interest in Motherwell winger Marvin Johnson
Given his form – including three goals in his last three games as well as two man of the match awards – coupled with the length of time on his current terms, the Fir Park outfit are in no rush to part with Johnson at a bargain price.
The news will provide reassurance to Motherwell fans fearful that one of the most consistent performers of the last year could be on his way back down south after a foray north into the Ladbrokes Premiership.
It is unclear if Oxford will return again in an attempt to add Johnson to their summer haul after luring Dundee’s Kane Hemmings to the Kassam Stadium, but it is believed their counter must be increased significantly if the 25-year-old winger is to swap claret and amber for blue and yellow.
Speaking exclusively to SportTimes at the weekend, Johnson insisted he was in no rush to leave Lanarkshire.
He said: “I signed an extension last year because I enjoy it here, I wouldn’t have signed otherwise and I’d have tried to get out.
“I love it here. We have a great set of lads and great coaching staff. It’s a fantastic club that I settled in straight away to. I feel at home here.
“I’ve had interest in me before when I was a lot younger and it used to turn my head a little bit. Then it got in the way of me playing. That’s why I’ve had a little bit more slow progress over my career.
“Now I just hear it. Yeah, it’s a confidence boost but it isn’t done. Teams can be interested in you but it doesn’t mean that they are going to sign you.
“You just have got to keep your head in the game. You can’t tell what is going to happen in the future, you can’t afford to drop off on your game.”
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