Motherwell boss Brown admits struggle to keep Everton pair Ruddy, Jutkiewicz

Motherwell boss Craig Brown admits Europa League qualification will boost their summer market plans.

Additional revenue gained through European competition could allow Motherwell to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer window, although retaining the services of loan stars John Ruddy and Lukas Jutkiewicz from Everton may be outwith their control.

“It [added finance] helps us to get the players on board” Brown admitted. “We are trying to retain the first-team squad if we can. I have spoken to [Everton manager] Davie Moyes and he is reserving judgement at the moment.

“I think Everton are getting offers for them south of the border and they might decide to sell. I am saying to Davie ‘let them stay here with us and you will get more money when you sell them’.

“But the other side of the coin is that that puts the players further along their contracts. If they get to the end of their contract, they can walk away. I suspect he will pull them back to Everton, the way he is talking. Therefore, we are looking for a goalkeeper and a striker.”