Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson has heard nothing about any of his players leaving Fir Park after Celtic were reported to be interested in midfielder Liam Donnelly.
Belfast Live reported on Monday night that Celtic are monitoring the Northern Ireland international after an impressive season in the Scottish Premiership, suggesting that the Hoops could make a move for him before the end of January.
Robinson though is trying to avoid rumours this month, currently happy with the squad he has in place for the rest of the season.
As quoted by Not The Old Firm, he said of the interest: “It’s news to me. Maybe agents justify their existence putting stuff in papers, I don’t know. I’ve not heard anything and there have been no enquiries for any of my players.
“I try to not take any phone calls, I don’t speak to my chief scout about anything and I stay away from Alan Burrows, that’s how I deal with it! It’s tough because you have a really good squad but it happens every year.
“We’re not the only club, we aren’t pleading poverty. We are a club that has to sell players to survive so I’d say it’s part of the job.”
Donnelly’s making good progress, but Celtic are well-stocked
There’s no denying that Donnelly has been one of the better players in the Scottish top-flight this season, outside of the top two teams in the division.
Although scoring nine goals in all competitions for the Steelmen this term, his greatest strength has been as a midfield anchor, helping protect the Motherwell defensive line.
Robinson’s men are the best of the rest after Celtic and Rangers, currently ahead of Aberdeen, Livingston and Hibernian in the top six.
Despite his positive season, a move for Donnelly right now doesn’t appear to make much sense from our perspective when you consider the options we already have available in the middle of the park.
Scott Brown is a legendary captain while Callum McGregor offers threat in attack and is one of the best midfielders in the country.
With Olivier Ntcham also available and Ismaila Soro a work permit away from signing, there’s really no need for more in the second half of the season.
If Donnelly’s impressive form continues then he’s a player we can revisit down the road, with his contract at Motherwell not expiring until 2022.
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