Max Johnston on Sporting radar as Motherwell star catches attention of another European heavyweight

Sporting CP are the latest big European club who are keen to land Motherwell’s Max Johnston.

The Portuguese giants have had the young defender on their radar since watching him at the Pinatar Cup for Scotland under-21s earlier this year. Sporting have since had him watched remotely and indicated that they want to hold talks with the 19-year-old and his representatives over a possible summer deal.

Johnston is out of contract at Fir Park in the summer but has been offered an extension. Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell is doing all he can to keep him but knows he is likely to be facing a losing battle with the level of interest in him. Johnston, who has been a big player in Motherwell’s recent revival, has concrete interest from the English Premier League, Championship, Italy, Belgium and France. English top-flight new boys Burnley tried to make an early move but Johnston wants to weigh up his options with the key being a pathway to regular first-team football.

Motherwell will be due training compensation if, as expected, Johnston leaves. The club are eighth in the Premiership after a 2-0 win over Kilmarnock on Saturday.

Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.

You can also follow our dedicated Rangers and Celtic podcast pages and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.