MOTHERWELL have yet to pull the plug on any out-of-contract players - despite reports claiming four are set to be released.

Speculation began to spread yesterday that Simon Ramsden, Stuart Carswell, Iain Vigurs and Paul Lawson were all on their way out of Fir Park this summer.

The talk stemmed from the quartet being listed on PFA Scotland's player availability list for next season.

Ramsden has played 24 games for Well this season, Carswell 20, Vigurs 15 and Lawson just four after being plagued with injury.

But SportTimes understands that Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough has yet to tell any of his 17 out-of-contract players that their time in claret and amber is up.

It is believed that the Lanarkshire club are focusing efforts on securing their SPFL Premiership status first of all before exploring the situation of all players looking for a new deal.

However, we can reveal the club are waiting to hear back from top talent Lee Erwin over a new contract.

Manager Baraclough said earlier this week that he had hoped a deal would be done soon for the 21-year-old forward, who is beginning to attract attention from big name clubs.

Celtic were the latest potential suitors believed to have an interest in the Overton man, along with Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United.

Erwin's contract is also up in the summer, with Well in line to land a sizeable development fee if he moves on.

But the Lanarkshire club are still hopeful the former Scotland Under-19 internationalist will put pen to paper soon to stay at Motherwell.

Speaking to SportTimes last month, Erwin told how he believed Fir Park was the place to be for him to develop.

He said: "I'm now just trying to play as many games as I can and help the team out with my performances. I want to make sure Motherwell stay in the Premiership and take it from there.

"In my opinion, this is the right place for me to be, definitely. I'm a local lad and live just five minutes from Fir Park. I have been here for nine years and it's been good for me.

"I've grown up watching the first team and it feels like a family here to me."