Motherwell fielding transfer interest in midfielder Lennon Miller

Jens Berthel Askou revealed “increasing” interest in Motherwell’s highly-rated midfielder Lennon Miller.

The 18-year-old Scotland international’s future has been subject to almost constant speculation for the last year and longer.

Askou, appointed as Fir Park manager in June after a spell as assistant coach at Danish Superliga club Copenhagen, will take charge in a competitive Well game for the first time in the opening Premier Sports Cup group game against Clyde on Saturday.

And at his media briefing at Fir Park, the issue of Motherwell academy graduate Miller, who has impressed since making his first team debut at 16, came up again.

“In general, there has been obviously a lot of interest and it’s busy around Lennon, nothing concrete right now, but it could change quickly,” said Askou.

“That’s a lot of interest, a lot of a lot of manoeuvring around the market around him.

“I think he’s dealing with it really, really well. He’s just playing football and really enjoying what we’re doing here.

“I spoke to him just an hour ago. He’s really pleased with the role he has in the team now and what we are trying to do because it suits him really, really well and he will develop.

“But we also know that the time will come when he will take the next step. And if it’s this summer, then the time will tell. But it could be.

“It’s not like he’s knocking on my door every day and saying I need to leave. Not at all.

“But we know he’s a fantastic football player, a very, very big talent that you don’t see very often. So we know the day will come.

“We will announce that when it’s the right time to announce whether there’s something specific on him.

“But there’s a general interest from the market in Lennon, and there has been also before my time here, and that interest has not slowed down.

“It’s still there and it’s increasing more and more as clubs get more and more active.

“And obviously there are some other people also dealing with that within the club that maybe knows a little bit more than I do. And so when the time is right, we will announce.

“Until then, we’ll try to just make sure that he gets the best opportunity to be part of Motherwell and perform for us and focus on his development.”

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Longelo has joined from Birmingham for an undisclosed fee, on a two-year deal, with the club holding an option of a further year.

The move for the 24-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Cambridge in League One, is subject to international clearance.

“This is a fresh challenge for me,” Longelo told the club’s official website.

“The prospect of coming to a new league is thrilling and I’m looking forward to learning new things.

“I feel I can add to the group and hope I can impress during my time here.”

“We’re pleased to welcome Manny to Motherwell,” manager Askou said.

“We have been looking to add competition in the left-back position, and Manny brings exactly what we need – breakthrough power, strength, speed, and athleticism down our left side.

“He has already gained valuable experience in the Championship with Birmingham City, and we’re looking forward to getting him on board and working closely with him unlocking his full potential.

“We strongly believe that he’ll be a very valuable player for Motherwell in the years to come and look forward to giving him his first minutes in the game against Clyde on Saturday.”