Swansea City have set their sights on Motherwell's World Cup star Elijah Just, as they look to bring the New Zealand international to the English Championship. The Welsh side are actively pursuing the 26-year-old winger and have already made their interest known to Just and his representatives.
Motherwell will demand a significant seven-figure transfer fee to part ways with Just, who is entering the final year of his contract. However, the Scottish Premiership club holds an option to extend his deal by another 12 months, strengthening their negotiating position.
Swansea's Summer Recruitment Drive
Swansea head coach Vitor Matos has made Just a top priority for the summer transfer window. The Swans have already secured one of Just's former Motherwell teammates, Stephen Welsh, on a permanent deal after his loan spell from Celtic last season. Welsh's impressive performances convinced Swansea to make the move permanent.
Swansea have intensified their pursuit of Just over the past 48 hours, aware that there is significant competition for his signature. They are keen to expedite a deal to fend off rival interest.
Celtic Among Interested Clubs
Celtic, who have long been linked with Just, are among a host of clubs monitoring the situation. Toulouse could also emerge as a contender following the appointment of Jens Berthel Askou, Just's former manager at Motherwell, as their new head coach. Askou's switch to France may open the door for a reunion.
Just was a standout performer for Motherwell last season, helping the club secure a return to European competition. He was shortlisted for the Scottish Premiership Player of the Year award and enhanced his reputation with an impressive showing at the World Cup.
World Cup Heroics
Just scored three goals in three games at the World Cup, propelling himself onto the global stage. He arrived at Motherwell as a relatively unknown signing from Danish club Horsens but has since established himself as one of the top players in Scotland.
Motherwell have already sold goalkeeper Calum Ward to Queens Park Rangers this summer, while Samsunspor are confident of completing a £1.7 million move for midfielder Elliot Watt in the coming days. The departures have disrupted preparations for new manager Alfred Johansson, who is set to take charge of the club's Conference League qualifier against Havnar Boltfelag on Thursday.
