Sturm Graz have now tabled a mega-money offer and are trying to convince Max Johnston to snub the English Premier League for the Champion’s League.
The ambitious Austrian outfit has pitched everything, over the last 24 hours, to land the out-of-contract Scotland under-21 cap. England had looked to be the Scottish Football Writers’ young player of the year’s next destination but Graz have thrown their hat firmly in the ring with a full-on sales pitch. The Austrian side has offered a lucrative five figure deal-a-week wage on a four year contract and offered to make him one of their top earners.
Graz officials have also made it clear that Johnston would be a key first-team players and they can also offer the additional carrot of European football. They are in the play-off round of the Champions League qualifiers and even if they don’t progress will drop into the Europa League. Graz want to advance talks this week to seal a deal. They have been interested for several weeks but have substantially upped the ante since the weekend. Johnston had made no secret of his desire to play at the highest level he can, but has also made it clear that he wants regular top team football.
Graz also have a track record of selling on talent and AS Roma are currently tracking their Nigerian striker Emanuel Emegha. A host of EPL clubs, including Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Brentford and Burnley, had all declared their interest and had varying levels of talks.
The interest varies from going into development squads to going out on-loan on loan in England’s lower leagues or abroad. There is also a string of English Championship outfits that tabled big-money offers and some are actively trying to derail the Austrian move.
Motherwell will be due compensation but it will only be a fraction of what they would have landed if he had gone to a top club. Graz are category two which means ‘Well will only get around £300,000 in training fees.
It has been some rise for Johnston who at the start of the season was impressing on loan at Cove Rangers. He returned to Fir Park and was one of top young players in the Premiership. That has sparked a flood of interest from England, Italy and Spain.
