Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou has made it clear he won’t be adding anything more to the ongoing talk about Lennon Miller’s future.
Interest in the 18-year-old continues to grow, especially after he missed Motherwell’s Premier Sports Cup win over Clyde. That absence led to fresh questions about his situation.
Askou has been fairly open up to this point, but ahead of Tuesday night’s game against Peterhead, he drew a line under the speculation.
He made it known that the focus now needs to be on football, not transfer stories.
He said: (RecordSport), “I think there’s been enough said about Lennon’s situation for now. We have a game (on Tuesday), and I think that’s the most important thing for us to focus on.
“I know and I understand and we appreciate all the interest there is around Lennon, and his future, and Motherwell as a football club. But I think for us right now it’s time to say, let’s look at it when something specific and concrete comes up, and when we’re ready to inform.
“That’s the last thing I will say now in terms of commenting on Lennon. And in general, when we have interesting players that might take the next step, we’re not looking for fast and quick solutions. We’re looking for the right solutions for the players and for the club long-term.
“Sometimes things move fast, sometimes it takes a little bit longer. That’s not always up to us to decide or to control. The market is lively, sometimes it’s crazy. And sometimes clubs are waiting or players are waiting for the right move.”
Askou’s decision to shut down any further questions about Lennon Miller hasn’t stopped the speculation around a possible move to Celtic. The Hoops have long been credited with interest in the highly-rated teenager, and the fact he was left out of the Clyde match only fuelled those links.
However, Askou’s comments suggest that nothing is imminent. His refusal to speak further on the matter could mean a deal is quietly in the works, but it’s just as likely that Motherwell are holding firm and want to keep control of the process.
Jens Berthel Askou – Norwich City warms up
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / John Rushworth
From Celtic’s perspective, the need to bolster their midfield depth is no secret, and Miller would fit the profile of a longer-term project who could be developed at Lennoxtown.
But if Motherwell are digging in, it might not be straightforward. Rodgers and the recruitment team will likely be weighing up whether to push for a move now, or let things play out and test the waters later in the window.
Askou’s stance, cooling the noise and stressing patience, could be aimed at keeping the pressure off Miller while the club assesses its options.
