MOTHERWELL are hoping to sign former Fir Park youngster Stuart McKinstry on a season-long loan deal from Leeds United, but face competition from other Scottish clubs to land the highly rated 19-year-old.
McKinstry joined Motherwell at the age of 10 and came through their academy ranks, but didn't make a first team appearance before being snapped up by Leeds in 2019.
The midfielder has made two appearances for the Elland Road senior team, coming on as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and playing against Fulham in the EFL Cup, and has been a mainstay of their Premier League 2 side.
Leeds boss Jesse Marsch wants him to extend his contract which expires next year, but is open to allowing McKinstry to leave on loan this season as he looks to gain more experience at first team level, with Hartlepool United keen to take him earlier in the summer.
Herald Sport understands though that Motherwell is his most likely destination, with the club hopeful the pull of returning to his boyhood club will swing the decision in their favour.
New Motherwell manager Steven Hammell, who coached McKinstry at youth level, said this last week when quizzed on a move for McKinstry.
"I know Stuart well, he's a super talented young player," he said.
"He's someone who would maybe interest us but there's nothing there just now. "
