MARK McGHEE has poured cold water on reports that Bournemouth are considering a swoop for Motherwell’s Marvin Johnson.

But the Fir Park manager has warned any potential suitors that they will need to get their cheque book out if the Ladbrokes Premiership club are to let go of one of their top assets.

It emerged last week that the Premier League Cherries had the Well winger on a short list of targets for this January transfer window, no doubt down to the performances the 25-year-old has turned in during his year in claret and amber.

Johnson’s electric pace and quick feet have caught the eye of many, particularly during the Premiership play-off with Rangers and into this season.

Aware of his credentials, Motherwell signed the former Kidderminster Harriers man up on a contract extension during the summer that keeps him tied up until 2018, and McGhee insists it will take something special for that stint to be cut short.

“There’s been no contact,” said the Motherwell manager of Bournemouth’s reported interest. “I think someone took a flyer because there was a Bournemouth scout at the Hearts game, and I think that was it.

“I see some of the fees that are getting mentioned for players not just up here but down the road that I know. I see Marvin’s ability, his attitude every week and his temperament, he can play at a very high level.

“If someone comes looking for him we will have to consider it but it will take something significant to allow that to happen.”

While McGhee looks to hold on to Johnson, the Motherwell manager is content to let one of his number go in the form of striker Theo Robinson.

The Jamaican internationalist was brought in by his predecessor Ian Baraclough back in August but the former Derby man yesterday left Fir Park to join League One outfit Port Vale.

Robinson’s spell in Lanarkshire was a largely unfruitful one. The 27-year-old only managed 11 appearances with no goals to his name.

It meant he fell down the pecking order of strikers at the club with Louis Moult and Scott McDonald going on to form a solid partnership.

Despite that, Vale manager manager Rob Page was delighted to acquire his man on a deal until the end of the season, who could be set to make his debut against old club Doncaster tonight.

“We’re over the moon to have added Theo to the squad,” said Page.

“He’s a striker who looks to run in behind and score goals and he’s got vast experience in the Football League as well.”

McGhee, who is understood to be added: : “It’s not quite worked out for Theo here at Fir Park, but that can happen, particularly if the manager who signs you leaves so soon after you arrive.

“This is a good opportunity for us to try and reshape the squad a little during the January window.”

As hinted at by the Motherwell manager, it is understood there will be further comings and goings at Fir Park before the transfer window slams shut next week.