MOTHERWELL manager Stephen Robinson believes Louis Moult’s future remains up for grabs – but he has accepted the striker will not be at Fir Park next season.
Preston are believed to have moved close to securing Moult with some reports claiming the Ladbrokes Premiership top goalscorer has signed a pre-contract to join the Sky Bet Championship club in the summer. But Robinson claims Moult could still be sold in January.
The 26-year-old, who has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season, is in his third and final season at Fir Park and recently netted his 50th goal for the club.
Robinson said: “I don’t know anything about pre-contracts, I’m not sure they are worth the paper they are written on anyway. Obviously there is a lot of interest in Louis and we have spoken to clubs about Louis. They have contacted us and had the respect to contact us. So that’s currently ongoing.
“There’s not been a done deal. There are certain clubs who have had the courtesy to speak to us, because we all know they are meant to do that but it isn’t always the case. Louis is well within his rights to speak to people.
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“We have made Louis numerous contract offers now and Louis has told me he won’t be at the club after the end of the season. We made offers probably above and beyond ourselves to probably make Louis the best paid player at the football club for the last 15-20 years.
“So we have to weigh up in January if someone comes in with the money that benefits the club, we may look to take that. If it’s not, we will look to keep him.”
When asked whether any club had indicated they would make a bid during the transfer window, Robinson said: “There are clubs who are very interested in him and if it goes to the summer then it becomes a scramble.
“We made an incredible offer for this football club but he has earned the right to choose whether to do that or not. Louis has done great for the football club, we have to acknowledge that, but whatever decision we make in January will be for the benefit of the football club.”
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Moult will miss Wednesday’s trip to face Partick Thistle with the hamstring injury that is set to keep him out until the winter break.
Robinson expects Thistle to turn their season around at some stage after a 5-1 defeat at Kilmarnock left them four points adrift at the bottom of the table, but he is determined to ensure the fightback comes after their trip to Maryhill.
“I’ve watched Partick numerous times,” the Motherwell boss said. “They are a good side and it surprises me where they are.”
“I watched the game back on Saturday and there wasn’t a lot between the teams, some set-plays and errors they got punished for, as you do when you’re down at the bottom of the table. We have to be on our guard that there’s a backlash from that result.”
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