Louis Moult says contract talks with Motherwell are at a standstill

Louis Moult says contract talks with Motherwell are at a standstill amid ongoing uncertainty over the striker's future.

The 25-year-old, who has scored 36 goals in two seasons at Fir Park, has been the subject of a failed bid in the region of £250,000 from Aberdeen and Motherwell had been hoping to persuade him to extend his contract beyond next summer.

However, the former Wrexham forward, who is currently focusing on returning to fitness after a groin operation, looks unlikely to sign any new deal in the near future as he awaits further developments.

"It's a difficult one, especially with the stuff going on," Moult said. "It's kind of stood still a little bit. I think the negotiations started at Christmas.

"A lot has gone on since then, Mark McGhee left, Stephen Robinson came in, a lot of new players came in. It's a difficult one for myself to sign right now."

Aberdeen signed forward Nicky Maynard the day after their bid for Moult was rejected but the Well striker described their offer as a "massive compliment".

Moult added: "If someone would have told me that a couple of years ago when I was playing part-time football, I would probably have laughed at them.

"But I have come up here, worked hard, scored a few goals and people are interested. I'm very, very grateful, whether I am at this football club or another. This club have been unbelievable for me in terms of my profile and the people have been fantastic for me.

"It's the club's decision, I have another year on my contract. They pay my money. It would be wrong of me to go and kick their door down. If they value me a little bit more, then that's up to them.

"I try not to get involved, because if people get involved it might affect the football and that's what I don't want to happen. My mind is fully focused on getting back fit and scoring goals, whether that's here or somewhere else. At the minute it's going to be here and I'll be happy.

"If someone pays money and the board feel that it's going to help the football club move forward financially, then I think I have done well. I'm pretty relaxed about it, what will be will be. I'm lucky to be in this situation."

Moult is set to join his team-mates for training in the coming days and hopes to be involved in the Betfred Cup group stages, where Motherwell will face Morton, Edinburgh City, Berwick Rangers and Queen's Park.

"I like to think I will be fit to be involved, maybe not match-fit, against Morton [on July 22]," he said.