Max Johnston transfer auction heads to Italy as Motherwell breakout star wanted by Bologna

Tartan-inspired Bologna are keen on Motherwell starlet Max Johnston as they aim to tempt another rising Scottish star to Italy.

The Scotland Under 21 standout has proved a man of steel after being recalled from a loan spell at Cove Rangers at the turn of the year. He's been linked with English Premier League side Brighton and there is interest from a Bundesliga club too along with Preston North End, Sheffield United and Luton Town.

But leading Italian publication Corriere dello Sport have revealed Bologna are leading the chase, having previously made hugely successful raids on the Scottish market with Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson. Johnston has already played 55 senior games having only turned 19 following another loan spell last year and his dad Allan's old club at Queen of the South. He is out of contract at the end of the season and Motherwell would be due just short of £200,000 for training compensation for the youngster, who can play as a full back or a wing back.

Bologna paid Aberdeen £3million for Ferguson and he is already being touted for a big-money move to top Serie A clubs such as Juventus while they paid Hearts £900,000 for Hickey only to sell him later to Brentford for a fee that could rise to £18m.

Johnston scored on his Scotland Under 21s debut last year in a friendly at Fir Park against Iceland and also netted a superb strike in Motherwell's crucial 2-1 win over St Mirren a couple of weeks ago - his first goal for the club. Now he could be the latest Scot to move to Serie A, with fellow full back Josh Doig impressing at Verona and Liam Henderson at Empoli.

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