MOTHERWELL are refusing to lower their asking price for Marvin Johnson despite the winger handing in a transfer request.

Offers from English League One side Oxford United were rejected earlier in the month, with the last thought to be in the region of £300,000, as they fell well short of the Fir Park club's valuation of their player, while several other clubs south of the border have also been linked with the 25-year-old.

Interest in Johnson has quietened ahead of tomorrow's transfer deadline, but it emerged yesterday that the former Kidderminster Harriers forward handed in a formal request in an attempt to force through a move away from the Ladbrokes Premiership club.

SportTimes understands that despite his desire to leave, Motherwell are refusing to bend on their £1million evaluation as they look to protect their asset that has another two years left on his current deal.

Johnson's season got off to a flier as he netted four goals in his first five games but has since failed to hit the mark.

Speaking about the winger after Saturday's 0-0 Ladbrokes Premiership stalemate with Dundee, Motherwell manager Mark McGhee said: “I don’t particularly expect any movement. There’s been a lot of talk about Marvin, obviously, but I’m working on the basis that his situation isn’t going to change.

“He’s been a bit disturbed, I think, by what’s been going on and today he tried to come out of it and rise above it and at times he was trying a little bit too hard.

“But we have great faith and belief in him and we know what a huge player he’s going to be for us again this season. He’s a terrific talent and I’m amazed but delighted that no-one has come in for him.”