Sheffield United have been tracking Motherwell right-back Max Johnston, according to reports in the Scottish Media.

Both the Blades and Luton Town are said to have sent scouts to see the 18-year-old over the past month. It is a somewhat surprising development considering the player is currently on loan at Scottish second-tier outfit Queen of the South.

Johnston is capped for Scotland at Under 19 level but he has very little experience of first-team football, having played only two senior matches for Motherwell before being sent out on loan at the start of this season.

The fullback is getting matches under his belt with Queen of the South, having made 29 appearances in all competitions. He was even been deployed in an unfamiliar central midfield role for a few games, under the guidance of his father, Allan, who managed the Scottish Championship side until he was sacked last month.

Motherwell are expected to fight hard to keep Johnston, with it being claimed that they are currently intending to make him a regular starter for the first team next campaign.