Motherwell turn down Scott McDonald offer

Motherwell have rejected an offer for Scott McDonald that would have seen the Australian striker return to his homeland.

Reports emerged on Wednesday that Western Sydney Wanderers were trying to tempt the former Celtic and Middlesbrough forward to the A-League weeks after he signed a new one-year deal at Fir Park.

But with Louis Moult out until September with a groin problem and Craig Moore loaned to Ayr, Motherwell faced a striker shortage and they say they reached a "positive consensus" with the player over his future following talks with chief operating officer Alan Burrows and manager Mark McGhee, before rejecting a formal offer in the early hours of Thursday morning.

McGhee said in a statement: "Scott is an extremely important part of our plans as we believe he is one of the very best strikers in the country.

"Alan Burrows and I chatted with the player for some time on Wednesday and there was a lot of common ground. It's obvious Scott has a deep affinity for the club and wants to try and help us in this new season.

"The actual interest came fairly out the blue and the prospect of a return home is obviously intriguing for anyone in that scenario, however, it was also clear he still feels there is unfinished business in the SPFL, which was great for us.

"That meant, when an official (offer) did eventually come in during the night, it was a fairly simple one for us to politely reject."