Preston North End target Max Johnston is set to leave Motherwell – but the chances of a move to Lancashire appear to be dwindling.
Top transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano reports that Johnston will be leaving Fir Park at the end of the season.
Romano notes that teams in Serie A, the Premier League and the Bundesliga are all interested in signing Johnston.
Motherwell will be due training compensation for Johnston, who is out of contract this summer.
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It sounds like clubs from top leagues around Europe are plotting moves for the teenager, denting PNE’s hopes of a deal.
The Daily Record up in Scotland reported in February that PNE were ramping up their interest in signing Johnston, but faced a battle with Luton Town and Sheffield United.
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The rumours have been coming in thick and fast for Johnston since then with PNE’s chances surely dwindling by the week.
The Scottish Sun claimed that Brighton and Hove Albion as well as Cardiff fancy Johnston before Corriere dello Sport suggested that Bologna were closing in on a deal.
More and more clubs seem to be joining the race for Johnston and this just makes PNE’s task that much harder.
Johnston, 19, has risen through the Motherwell ranks but was born in Middlesbrough as father Allan was playing for Boro at the time of his birth.
A natural right wing back who has been impressing in 2023, Johnson looks to have real potential for the future.
North End need a right wing back and signing players with potential resale value has to be a priority.
Johnston would tick those boxes but beating Premier League and Bundesliga clubs will be very difficult for PNE this summer.