After months of speculation and prolonged discussions, Celtic have finally agreed a fee with Motherwell for the services of Scottish international midfielder Stephen Pearson.
Celtic have been tracking the player for months with Motherwell reluctant to sell, however 'Well manager Terry Butcher has decided to let Pearson leave for a fee of £350,000 after deciding that he was no longer committed to their cause. The midfielder will now begin negotiations over personal terms at Parkhead.
Motherwell chairman Bill Dickie insisted that while they wanted to hold onto their player, they didn't believe that Pearson's heart was at the club. He said: "We have very reluctantly accepted an offer of £350,000. Initially, Celtic offered £250,000 but that was wholly unacceptable. Although the offer was increased, we still feel it is substantially below the true value of the player and we were perfectly prepared to leave the matter to a tribunal."
Dickie added: "However, after extensive discussions with Terry Butcher, it became clear he did not have any confidence in Stephen Pearson being ready and willing to meet the challenges that will lie ahead at Fir Park until the end of the season. In view of that, it was agreed it was in the best interests of Motherwell to sell the player to Celtic."
Filed by Rob Wright
