Motherwell are out of the running to sign Kevin van Veen after being 'blown out of the water' by Premiership rivals Kilmarnock and St Mirren.
Herald Sport understands that the Fir Park club did everything they could to bring the former Fir Park hero back to the club, and that a reunion with Stuart Kettlewell was Van Veen's preference, but their best offer only amounted to half of what Saints and Killie could ultimately put Groningen's way.
Motherwell will now move on to other targets having accepted that they have no chance of landing the Dutchman on a loan deal until the end of the season.
Earlier, Motherwell assistant manager Stephen Frail was leaving the door open for Van Veen's return, but that will now not happen.
He said: “I’m not sure anything’s out the water. That could be one of those last-minute things.
“We all know what a fantastic end of the season Kev had, he was absolutely terrific, but I think a big part of that was his team-mates, the way they serviced him, but also the way the manager managed him.
“They have a really good relationship and wherever Kev goes I’m sure he will be an asset to whatever club he joins.”
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