MARK McGHEE, the Motherwell manager, claims the club were gazumped after their bid to keep hold of Manchester United midfielder Liam Grimshaw was thwarted at the last minute.

The 20-year-old was brought to Fir Park on transfer deadline day on a short-term loan that was due to expire this Sunday. Despite that, the Lanarkshire club and the player were both hopeful his time in claret and amber could be extended to at least the end of the season.

However, any hopes Grimshaw had of becoming a Motherwell player were left in tatters yesterday after his parent club told him to return to United, with it understood an English club with more financial muscle will now be the next port of call for the man from Burnley.

“We’ve held numerous very positive talks with both Liam and his representatives about the possibility of him becoming a Motherwell player,” said the Motherwell manager.

“So much so, our plan was to try and finalise an agreement with Manchester United this week. However, we have been gazumped at the last minute by an English club who offered a package that we simply cannot compete with."

The club in question turns out to be Preston North End

“From Motherwell Football Club’s point of view, it is yet another example of how we are set-up to develop young players and this should give further encouragement to any footballer, club or parent about what we have to offer and the platform we can provide.

“Whilst that is frustrating, we completely understand everyone’s position.

“I would like to firstly sincerely thank Manchester United for allowing us to have the player for the last four months.”

It is a blow for McGhee given how well the versatile Englishman performed during his time in Scotland with 16 assured performances. It also does not help his selection headache for this weekend's trip to Tynecastle to face Hearts with captain Keith Lasley already suspended.

Despite that, he remains focused on filling the spot in his squad now left vacant, and has revealed processes are underway to do just that.

He said: “Liam himself has been fantastic in how he has approached the move and his conduct and performances throughout. We’re naturally disappointed to be losing him, but at the same time, proud of him that he’s earned such a good move and wish him every success.

“From Motherwell Football Club’s point of view, it is yet another example of how we are set-up to develop young players and this should give further encouragement to any footballer, club or parent about what we have to offer and the platform we can provide.

“We prepare for every eventuality so have other irons in the fire which we will now explore.”