McGhee makes Kennedy plea

Money holds up defender switch

Last updated: 24th July 2008

McGhee Mark

McGhee: Frustrated

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Motherwell boss Mark McGhee has pleaded with Celtic to let them sign John Kennedy on loan.

McGhee has lined up a season-long loan deal for the Scotland international as he looks to bolster his defensive options.

Celtic chief Gordon Strachan is believed to be willing to loan out Kennedy so that he can get some regular first-team action under his belt.

Norwich are thought to be rivalling Motherwell for Kennedy's signature, but McGhee insists the central defender wants to make the move to Fir Park.

The move is understood to be being held up by Celtic's demands that Motherwell pay all of Kennedy's wages during his loan, but McGhee concedes the Lanarkshire club cannot afford that.

"It seems a simple enough thing to get done but we seem to be finding it difficult between the two executives," McGhee told the Daily Record.

"We can't, apparently, afford the full amount, so we're haggling to see if we can make it any less.

Compromise

"I don't think Norwich is a red herring but unless Celtic are prepared to compromise or we are prepared to find the full amount he'll probably end up there.

"But if either or both of those things happen - we give a bit and they give a little - he can come here.

"John wants to come here and has made that absolutely clear but at the moment we have not come to an agreement.

"Regardless of other centre-halves, John is the one I want. It would take a chunk of it (Motherwell's budget) but I feel it is a worthy and worthwhile investment."