Lennon Miller in new Motherwell contract talks as Stuart Kettlewell puts forward extended Fir Park stay pitch

Stuart Kettlewell admits Motherwell are desperate to get Lennon Miller tied down on a new deal after opening talks with the 17-year-old Fir Park ace.

The midfielder, who will return from suspension to face Aberdeen tomorrow night, is under contract until 2025 and his performances in the engine room have seen the Scotland U19 international tracked by Premier League clubs. Kettlewell reckons Fir Park is the perfect place for Miller to take his game to the next level. But, having seen Max Johnston leave under freedom of contract last summer, he is taking nothing for granted.

The Motherwell boss said: “We would love to extend Lennon’s contract. Lennon is such a level-headed lad and speaking to his representatives, family, we are just trying to do things the best way possible that helps his future. He is a lad that has shown signs he could make his ways through various levels of the game but it’s important he gets plenty of games under his belt.

“This is a brilliant place for him to be. Lennon has never made a secret of the fact he really enjoys his football here. Just over a year ago Stevie Hammell and Alan Burrows signed him on a three-year deal which was the maximum for his age.

“I don’t think they met too much resistance even though there were numerous suitors for the young lad. It’s my job now to see if we can usher that along. We are desperate to try and extend his stay and give him that foundation for what hopefully becomes a really good career.”

Johnston, 19, left Well for Sturm Graz in the summer after turning down a new deal. But Kettlewell denied there were any lessons to be learned as he said: “If Motherwell want to sign a player and extend a contract then the stars need to align.

“When you get criticised for