MOTHERWELL are refusing to lower their asking price for Marvin Johnson despite the winger handing in a transfer request.
Offers from English League One side Oxford United were rejected earlier in the month, with the last thought to be in the region of £300,000, as they fell well short of the Fir Park club’s valuation of the player, while several other clubs in England have been linked with the 25-year-old.
Interest in Johnson has quietened ahead of tomorrow’s transfer deadline, but it emerged yesterday that the former Kidderminster Harriers forward handed in a formal request in an attempt to force through a move away from the Ladbrokes Premiership club.
Read more: Motherwell 0-0 Dundee: Spoils shared in Fir Park stalemate
Herald Sport understands that despite his desire to leave, Motherwell are refusing to bend on their £1m valuation as they look to protect their asset that has another two years left on his current deal.
Johnson’s season got off to a flier as he netted four goals in his first five games but has since failed to hit the mark.
Read more: Mark McGhee: Marvin Johnson too expensive and too good for League One Oxford United
Speaking about the winger after Saturday’s 0-0 Ladbrokes Premiership stalemate with Dundee, Motherwell manager Mark McGhee said: “I don’t particularly expect any movement. There’s been a lot of talk about Marvin, obviously, but I’m working on the basis that his situation isn’t going to change.
“He’s been a bit disturbed, I think, by what’s been going on and today he tried to come out of it and rise above it and at times he was trying a little bit too hard.
“But we have great faith and belief in him and we know what a huge player he’s going to be for us again this season. He’s a terrific talent and I’m amazed but delighted that no-one has come in for him.”
The club later released a statement on their official website saying that Motherwell FC 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”.
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