Columbus Crew are considering signing Chris Cadden and loaning him straight out.
The Major League Soccer side are keen on the Scotland international but they don’t have room in their current roster for another overseas player and would be looking to secure his services with a view to next season.
It could see him loaned out with Oxford United among the interested parties.
But the deal to Columbus still far from clear-cut. It would be dependent on how much they would need to pay for the 22-year-old in terms of training compensation.
The American’s are claiming to be a category four club which would likely see the development fee at less than £100,000.
Motherwell feel they should be the category above and that if they sign Cadden then they should be entitled to around £150,000 - the same fee any English club would need to pay.
Oxford United had already agreed a rough compensation agreement with Motherwell but the player has decided to explore all his options.
Karl Robinson confirmed last week that Cadden had interest from League One and overseas.
Sunderland manager Jack Ross is limited to what he can do until if he finds out whether or not his club is going to be sold.
That uncertainty cost them Lawrence Shankland, who has instead agreed a move to Dundee United.
It could also cost them Cadden if he can agree personal terms in the States.
Colombus’ recruitment chief is Neil McGuiness, previously of Celtic, and he keeps a close eye on the Scottish market.
MLS rivals New York City have just signed fellow Scotland cap Gary Mackay-Steven from Aberdeen and Johnny Russell is out at Sporting Kansas.
If Columbus strike a deal for Cadden they would then look at loaning him out and Oxford have already been sounded out about the possibility.
