Livingston boss says he'll never stand in a player's way if English top two tier side comes calling

Livingston boss David Martindale said reports linking defender Jack Fitzwater with a move to the English Premier League are ‘far-fetched’.

But the gaffer issued a ‘call me’ plea to any clubs in the top two tiers down south who are interested in his players.

Earlier this week, reports suggested Fitzwater was being tracked by a trio of Premier League clubs – Burnley, Newcastle United, and Watford.

Martindale is not aware of any interest from the English top flight, but says the 24-year-old is likely wanted by Championship clubs – and insisted he’d drive the player down south himself if a transfer was agreed.

Speaking to the West Lothian Courier, Martindale said: “I think it’s probably paper talk with Newcastle and other Premier League clubs, but Championship clubs in England would be daft not to be looking at him.

“One of the reasons I brought him into the club was because he ticked all the boxes as one who could earn a big move.

“He was under 23 at the time, came from a very good academy at West Brom and had experience on loan in the lower leagues.

“I think Newcastle is probably a wee bit far-fetched at this point in time, but there were Championship sides looking at him last year and I’d imagine there is this year too. But there’s been no formal bid or talks or anything like that.

“He’s kicked on massively this season. He’s playing every week in the Scottish Premier League and performing well so he should be attracting interest from teams.”

The Lions have seen both Lyndon Dykes and Liam Kelly depart for the English second tier since their return to the top flight four seasons ago and Martindale insists he’d never prevent anyone making a ‘life-changing’ move.

He added: “If there’s any Championship or Premier League clubs