By Paul Marshall
October 27 2003

According to reports in today's papers Stephen Pearson could end up playing under 21 football if he doesen't agree to an extended contract at Fir Park. Terry Butcher denied the player has been forced to train with the youth team but told the BBC " I will have to seriously consider selecting someone who is not fully committed to the club. "


The midifielder's contract runs out at the end of this season and could move to another club for a nominal fee which would be set by a tribunal.




Next stop, Parkhead ?

The list of clubs rumoured to be in the hunt for the midfielder reads - Celtic, Rangers, Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United, Southampton, West Ham United, plus German clubs Cologne, Kaiserslautern and Schalke 04. Most of these clubs were also said to be interested in McFadden but when the young striker became availible they were no where to be seen.


Earlier in the week Pearson's agent Willie MacKay told the BBC " Motherwell have come back to us with a substantially improved offer for Stephen and he is considering it at this moment in time. "

" He is far too good a player not to be used "


Terry Butcher is also hoping to start contract talks with defenders Stevie Hammell and Martyn Corrigan soon.