McGhee: Johnson not going to Bournemouth

Marvin Johnson has been linked with a move to Bournemouth (Pic by Alan Watson)

But Fir Park gaffer Mark McGhee said the story was “absolute nonsense”.

McGhee added: “There was a Bournemouth scout at the Hearts game.

“But there’s no substance in the story.”

Picture Alan Watson. Fir Park - new signing Marvin Johnson

Johnson’s ’Well team-mate, goalkeeper Connor Ripley, said the 25-year-old Englishman should grasp any opportunity to join Bournemouth if it ever arose. But the Fir Park number one said that he hoped that such a transfer would be delayed until the summer at least.

Ripley said: “If Marvin can get to Bournemouth then, blooming hell, go for it.

“It’s the English Premier League and that’s where most people want to be.

“That’s where the money is and it would change his life forever.

“I remember before he came here, Marvin was ready to throw in football.

“Now he’s getting linked with an English Premier League team.

“That’s really good for him and I’m really happy for him.

“Hopefully he doesn’t go this season but maybe next season they can have him.”

McGhee said he hoped to make new signings in this transfer window, with a midfielder a priority.

“All clubs are in the same boat,” he said.

“We are looking at the same players.

“You don’t just get a player off the shelf.

“It is competitive and it’s a difficult time of year to get people to move. The loan market is a possibility.”