Tony Watt expected to join Dundee United from Motherwell today

Motherwell’s top scorer Tony Watt has left to join Premiership rivals Dundee United, after a six-figure transfer fee was agreed between the clubs on Monday.
Tony Watt sat out Motherwell's last game against Livingston on Boxing Day (Pic by Ian McFadyen)Tony Watt sat out Motherwell's last game against Livingston on Boxing Day (Pic by Ian McFadyen)
Tony Watt sat out Motherwell's last game against Livingston on Boxing Day (Pic by Ian McFadyen)

The much-travelled striker, 28, had previously agreed a deal to join United on a pre-contract this summer but he has now departed Fir Park five months early and has signed at Tannadice until summer 2025.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday morning, Alexander, who was preparing his side for their league return at Ross County tonight (Tuesday), said: "We've agreed a fee this morning with Dundee United for Tony, so at some point today Tony will be a Dundee United player, and that's where it is.

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"We had a conversation on Saturday after we trained, me and Tony, and over the weekend the club have agreed a fee which we find acceptable.

"I think that's just it getting officially done as we speak, so that's where it is.

"Everything we do is for the best for the club, that's what my responsibility is, that's what we're in control of, so everything we do is with the club's best interest at heart, and the team's.

"We knew the potential situation, we knew in the summer where he was going. We decided on a course of action which we would be content with, and if it happened, we were happy for him to go, and if it didn't. we were happy for him to stay.

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"It has turned out that we're happy for him to go, because all that criteria was met, and now we move on to the next stage, which is the game tomorrow, with the players we have.

"We're not looking for a direct replacement for Tony, we feel we have the players already here at the club to keep the results going, and that's where we are."

In a Tweet sent after joining Dundee United, Watt showed his appreciation to Alexander and Motherwell chief executive Alan Burrows.

He wrote: “I personally want to thank Alan Burrows and Graham Alexander in how they’ve treated me from my first meetings with both them. Two absolute top men.

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"Sometimes it’s time to move on and this is one of them. It was a pleasure representing Motherwell FC.”

Watt is scheduled to be reunited with Motherwell on Wednesday, February 9, when his new team take on the Steelmen in a Premiership game at Tannadice.

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