Friday 1 July 2016 14:57, UK
Motherwell striker Scott McDonald has extended his deal at Fir Park despite interest from Neil Lennon's Hibernian.
The Australia international, who scored 13 goals in helping Well secure a top-six finish last season, has signed on for the forthcoming campaign.
Earlier this week, Lennon, a teammate of McDonald's during their time at Celtic, confirmed he had held talks with the 32-year-old in an attempt to lure him to the Scottish Cup holders.
But having activated the one-year extension on the contract he signed in July 2015, McDonald, who played for Motherwell for three years from 2004, said: "I am so happy to be back at the club and can't wait to get started.
"There were a couple of serious offers on the table for me, but I always had it in my mind that Motherwell was a club where I love being, playing with players and a manager who I respect and supporters who have been very good to me."
Motherwell manager Mark McGhee sang the praises of the former Middlesbrough and Millwall striker after he pledged his immediate future to the Premiership side.
"Scotty is one of the best players in the country, so we're naturally delighted he has chosen Motherwell over the other options he had," said McGhee.
"We can't compete with some of the bigger sides in Scotland for cash, but Motherwell is a special club that draws people to it, particularly those who have been here for a period of time. It's a welcoming, family environment that both players and staff enjoy.
"We have real competition in the goalkeeping, defensive and forward areas now. We are working hard on central midfield targets and hope to announce some new additions soon."
