'Norwich City trip' for Motherwell star Max Johnston as Canaries mull over potential transfer swoop

Motherwell youngster Max Johnston has paid a visit to Norwich City's traning ground, according to a report.

The 19-year-old right-back has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent months with his current contract at Fir Park set to expire this summer.

And clubs including Portugese side Sporting Lisbon and Bologna are understood to be admirers of the Scotland youth international.

Now, according to Norwich City-focused website The Pink Un, Johnston visited their Colney training ground recently to take a look at the facilities. Their report stated: "Motherwell right back Max Johnston is among their [Norwich's] list of targets in that area of the pitch and is understood to have visited Colney in recent weeks. There is stiff competition for the youngster, however, and the Scottish club would be entitled to compensation."

Johnston, who was absent from the Motherwell squad for Saturday's 2-0 win at St Johnstone, has this week been nominated for the Young Player of the Year at the Scottish Football Writers Awards and is up for the Premiership's Goal of the Season for his sizzling strike against St Mirren.

Last month, Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell told Lanarkshire Live Sport he was hopeful of keeping Johnston at Fir Park after a new contract offer was put to the player and his agent.

Kettlewell said: "I've got a really good relationship with Max. He's started every game since I came in and I knew he was a good player before I came in. I had watched him several times playing at Cove during the first part of the season and I watched him round the football club, so I know how good he is - and I am seeing him improve and flourish every time he takes to the pitch.

"There has been an offer made to the player, and