Livingston boss David Martindale insists there’s been no approach made from Brighton and Hove Albion for young keeper Brian Schwake.
The 21-year-old American joined the Lions three years ago and has enjoyed successful loan stints at Linlithgow Rose, Edinburgh City and Greenock Morton to aid his development.
But the youngster could be set for a remarkable move to the English Premiership after training with Brighton, who qualified for European football for the first time in their history this season.
Martindale admits he can see why the young stopper is attracting plenty of interest but confessed he's not aware of an official offer having been made to the keeper.
The Chicago kid is out of contract having turned down a new deal with the Lions. The club would potentially be due a development compensation fee depending on where his next move takes him.
The gaffer commented: “I gave him permission to go down and train, and for Brian’s sake I hope the reports of interest are true but all I can say is I know people at Brighton and my phone hasn’t rung.
“I’m not saying there’s no interest there because I don’t know, but nobody has phoned me and I have two very, very reliable contacts at Brighton who I imagine would have picked up the phone and asked the question.”
He added: “Brian’s a really, really good young kid and he’s got a big future in the game. He’s been down there training for a week, so there might be some substance to it, but at this point in time I can’t tell you any more.”
It's understood any development fee the club would be looking for would be into six figures, with Martindale commenting: “We brought Brian in and he got his EU passport and then Covid struck.
“There’s been a lot of development and progression put into Brian. When you’re bringing in a kid like that it’s not just the training and wages, there’s flights and accommodations costs.
“So, there has been a lot of outlay from the club bringing Brian into the football club. Wherever he moves, hopefully both parties come out well from it.”
He added: “I think Brian’s got a big future in the game and I could see why a club like Brighton would be interested in him. I can see how it all makes sense but, truthfully, I can tell you no-one has told me at this moment in time.”
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