Oxford United was set to sign Motherwell winger, Chris Cadden, but he’ll join on loan from MLS side Columbus Crew, according to Scott Burns at the Daily Record.
The American side is close to completing a deal for the 22-year-old, but the SPL side is preparing to battle them for compensation.
MLS officials have contacted the SFA to ask for the Scotland internationals transfer certificate on behalf of Columbus Crew in the last 24 hours.
The initial part of the deal is expected to be confirmed by the American side over the next 48 hours, but there are compensation issues to be resolved.
Cadden, who has made 139 appearances for the Well since his debut in 2013, is out of contract, and a move stateside will result in the SPL side receiving a lesser fee than if he’d had stayed in Scotland.
The Steelmen believe they’ll still be eligible for compensation of around £250,000 as they see Crew as a Category Two team, but Columbus claim’s they were a Category Four club and wouldn’t have to pay any money.
Cadden has been a great servant for Motherwell. To feature in over 100 matches at such a young age is an impressive achievement. The SPL side can’t begrudge his choice of wanting a move to the US, but it doesn’t make the potential blow of losing him for nothing any softer.
But due to the MLS side having the maximum of overseas players already on their roster, Oxford, who has been heavily linked with the midfielder since the start of June, would be the perfect destination for a year-long loan.
The U’s had a £450,000 bid rejected in 2017 for the Well winger, and given the lack of transfer activity this summer at the Kassam Stadium, it would be a welcome relief to showcase the Scotland international.
