Motherwell manager Graham Alexander calls for review of Scotland’s pre-contract agreement rules

He has stressed that he will continue to play the forward in the second half of the season if no fee is agreed between the Fir Park cub and the Tannadice outfit during the January transfer window.

However, the former Scotland defender, who spent his entire playing and coaching career down south before moving to Motherwell last year, admitted he is uncomfortable with the set-up in this country. 

The FA only allows footballers to sign pre-contract agreements one month before their deals expire – which is usually at the end of June – so they do not face the club they are going to be joining in the summer.

Alexander – whose Motherwell team is currently six points ahead of United in the Premiership and pushing to secure a UEFA Conference League place – believes the system in England is far better. 

“It’s a strange situation the pre-contract thing,” he said. “You don’t experience that in England – players signing pre-contracts and being able to play against the team that they are joining in the same league. 

“Personally I think it’s something that needs to be looked at. I don’t think it’s right, but it is what it is so we have to deal with it and we’re trying to deal with it in the best way we can.”

Alexander stated that Watt will only be allowed to move to Tannadice this month if United table a bid that matches Motherwell’s valuation of the former Celtic and Scotland striker.

“They spoke to Alan Burrows, our chief executive, to discuss Tony’s situation once the news came out,” he said. “Alan’s been upfront with them and painted the picture for what it is – which is that we’re in no rush to let Tony go.

“He’s under contract until the summer and he’s the top scorer in the Premiership. He’s played every game bar one for me during my year in charge so he’s a valued member of our team and our squad.

“If anyone wants to take him away this month then there’s a premium to pay and that’s the same for every player at the club.”