Rangers have been warned off a move for Motherwell striker Kevin van Veen by Fir Park manager Stuart Kettlewell in a not so subtle hint potentially aimed at the Ibrox club.
The Steelmen boss was talking about the 25-goal striker after the Dutchman was nominated for this season’s PFA Scotland Player of the Year award.
But, as if to warn Rangers (and others) off the player – and despite there being no official link between the Ibrox side and Kevin van Veen – Motherwell manager Kettlewell reckons the former Northampton man is too expensive for any team in Scotland.
“I would be amazed if a club in Scotland could come up with the money we would be thinking about for Kevin van Veen,” said Motherwell manager Kettlewell.
“As it stands, unless someone was able to put life-changing money in front of Motherwell – and it would have to be both parties – then he will remain a Motherwell player.
“I have had so many conversations with Kevin on a personal level, manager to striker. And the one thing we both agree on is that he is extremely happy here, that the football club is really happy with him, the supporters love him and I love working with him on a daily basis.
“But there is always a cross point where, if someone puts a ridiculous offer in front of you, sometimes the football club have to profit on it.”
Rangers warned off Motherwell striker Kevin van Veen
Despite being almost 32, versatile attacker Kevin van Veen has shown his quality with several big goals for Motherwell and, as a result, there have been discussions aplenty about Rangers.
The Ibrox side are facing a substantial summer rebuild under Michael Beale and have suffered from a distinct lack of attacking quality in the final third this season.
After former Well manager Graeme Alexander tipped Kevin van Veen as capable of making the grade at either Rangers or Celtic, it’s prompted plenty of chatter surrounding a potential move.
We even tipped any potential Kevin van Veen swoop to be akin to Rangers’ legendary deal for then Dundee striker Claudio Caniggia in 2002.
But now it appears Motherwell are not willing to deal and, if they’re expecting big money for the player, we don’t expect Rangers will be too keen to negotiate either.
Motherwell signed Kevin van Veen on a free transfer after the expiration of his contract at Scunthorpe United, and he’s gone on to net 36 goals in 79 games for the Fir Park club at the time of writing.
Signing a one-year contract extension last summer, the Motherwell striker is committed to the club until 2024.
