Well reject McFadden 'bids'

James McFadden (right) is back in Scotland's squad

Motherwell boss Terry Butcher has insisted that his promising youngsters will not be sold on the cheap as Bayer Leverkusen were linked with a £1.8m bid for James McFadden.

Reports also suggested that the Scottish Premier League club had rejected a £500,000 offer from Coventry City for the 19-year-old Scotland wide man.

But Butcher insists that neither club had tendered an offer.

And, although cash-strapped Motherwell remain in administration, he says it would take an exceptional bid to tempt him to do business.

There has been lots of phone calls

Well boss Terry Butcher

"We don't want to sell anybody," he said. "We are not in a position where we have to sell anybody.

"Yes, we have had enquiries about players - but no written offers - so we carry on.

"I'm not saying who they are, but there has been lots of phone calls.

"It's been mostly speculation, but people think they can get our players on the cheap, especially our younger ones."

Bryan Jackson, the administrator appointed to run the club, confirmed: "There have been no approaches about Jamie McFadden."

McFadden blotted his copybook by missing the flight home following a night out at the end of Scotland's end-of-season tour to the Far East.

The 19-year-old was expected to be given more experience in the Under-21s before being considered again for the senior squad.

The players are very happy here

Well boss Terry Butcher

But he is set to be included in Berti Vogts' full Scotland choice next week and it was being suggested that it was the German who had recommended the player to Bundesliga side Leverkusen.

Well team-mates Steven Hammell and Stephen Pearson are likely to be included in Scotland's Under-21s.

Butcher added: "We don't know how good these younger ones will be and they don't, but you hope they are going to keep on progressing the way they are.

"Three of them are on Scotland duty next week - Pearson, Hammell and McFadden - and we are very pleased about that.

"That gives a good indication and sign to the other players coming through that they could emulate what they have done.

"The players are very happy here and want to play for each other and want to do well for Motherwell Football Club."