'Norwich City trip for Max Johnston' addressed by Motherwell boss as he reveals star's injury issue

Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell says he is not aware of in-demand star Max Johnston making a visit to Norwich City's training ground - and says he would have expected some notification from the player if that was the case.

The 19-year-old right-back has been the subject of transfer speculation for months as the clock ticks down on his Motherwell deal, and he is yet to sign the new contract that has been put his way by the Steelmen.

His situation took another twist yesterday when it was reported by Norwich City-focused website The Pink Un that Johnston had paid a visit to the Canaries' Colney training ground recently.

Johnston was absent from last Saturday's 2-0 win at St Johnstone, although Kettlewell revealed his player has been struggling with a hamstring issue.

Ahead of Saturday's Premiership clash with Ross County, Kettlewell was asked if he was aware of Johnston making any visit down south and he said: "Pass. I don't know.

"What I would expect, if someone was visiting another football club and that was the case, then I would expect there to be some dialogue there.

"There has been absolutely no dialogue from Max or his representatives to tell us that was happening.

"I am very old school in my way of thinking here, but I genuinely think if something like that was to come about, picking up the phone, a text message, a face-to-face, something like that would come our way.

"So I can't confirm or deny it. I'm not entirely sure if that has been the case, but I certainly know the process that I would expect to happen if that was the situation."

Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon and Italian Serie A outfit Bologna are also understood to be admirers of the Scotland youth international.

Kettlewell has consistently stated his