Motherwell have told Championship side Partick Thistle that they want to proceed with Zak Rudden pre-contract talks.
The Fir Park side are interested in signing the striker this window as top scorer Tony Watt could leave for Dundee United after signing a Tannadice deal which begins this summer.
Rudden is in a similar position at Thistle and St Johnstone are also interested in the Scotland youth international who has scored 10 times this season.
According to the Daily Record, Motherwell have 'alerted' Thistle that they will be looking to begin contract discussions.
They will not commit until given the green light to do so.
St Johnstone have fell short of Thistle's valuation of Rudden this month and contrary to reports, the Steelmen have not submitted a bid for the striker.
Watt has already signed a deal to leave Motherwell for United this summer and the clubs are in talks over whether he goes this month.
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