Motherwell have agreed a club record deal to sell World Cup star Elijah Just to Swansea City. Record Sport understands the Steelmen have thrashed out a multi-million deal, with add-ons, that will eclipse Scotland international Lennon Miller's sale to Udinese last summer.
Deal Details
The Fir Park side got a deal for Miller that was potentially worth over £5 million, but this deal for Just will be even bigger. Welsh sources have confirmed that the deal is expected to be finalised in the next 48 hours, subject to a medical and the player agreeing to terms. The New Zealand international has been given permission to travel south to finalise his move to the Welsh side.
Background
Record Sport exclusively broke the story last week that the Welsh side had made the 'Well star their top summer target. They have since upped the ante and met Motherwell's asking price after the North Lanarkshire club made it clear that they would only sell if it was a club record fee. That has now been achieved.
Reunion with Former Teammate
Just now looks set to join his former Motherwell teammate Stephen Welsh at Swansea. The defender moved there this summer from Celtic, after impressing on-loan at Fir Park last season.
Just's Impact
Just is Motherwell's prize asset. He was shortlisted for the PFA Scotland's player of the year award and was a standout for the Steelmen last season. Just backed that up with three goals in as many games for New Zealand in the World Cup. He has been a revelation since he moved to Fir Park from Horsens last summer.
Motherwell's Financial Position
Motherwell are in a cash-rich situation this summer after receiving compensation for head coach Jens Berthel Askou when he went to Toulouse. They have just sold Elliot Watt to Samsunspor for an initial fee of £1.6 million and keeper Calum Ward also went to Queens Park Rangers for £750,000.
Upcoming Fixtures
It has hardly been ideal preparation for new boss Alfred Johansson, ahead of Thursday's Conference League qualifier against Havnar Boltfelag. The Steelmen entertain the Faroese team on Thursday in the first leg. Motherwell are expected to strengthen their ranks ahead of that game.
