Craig Brown has said Motherwell will not stand in Mark Reynolds way if a bid from England comes in for the young defender. The 22-year-old, who is attracting interest from Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers, has been a mainstay in a Steelmen backline that has let in just two goals in an 11-game unbeaten run.

Reynolds was subject to a failed bid from Rangers in 2008 and has since gone on to become a regular pick in the Motherwell defence. The left-footed central defender only has 18 months left on his contract and his club will be wary of missing out on a large transfer fee for the former Scotland under-21 cap, should he be allowed to run his contract down.

Brown revealed that he had assured the player Motherwell would not stop Reynolds following in the footsteps of previous Fir Park players who had moved to bigger clubs. However, he said the Lanarkshire club would look to get the best fee possible.

“We wouldn’t stand in his way if the offer is reasonable,” said Brown of his young defender. “The lad has been assured and promised that.

“Six boys have left Motherwell in recent times, Ross McCormack, Paul Quinn, David Clarkson, Stephen Pearson, James McFadden and also Scott McDonald. That proves that Motherwell give young players a chance and not stand in their way if they want to leave and progress their career.”

“But I would hate to think any player would leave here for a comparable SPL club. That would not be a forward move in my opinion. But to go south to one of the bigger clubs in the Premier League or the Championship, we can’t hold them back.”

Since making his debut as an 18-year-old in an away match at Livingston, Reynolds has played 139 games, establishing himself as a regular pick from the start of the 2006/07 season.

A left-footed defender, his manager recognises that Reynolds is a rare breed and says he isn’t surprised bigger clubs have sat up and taken notice at his consistent performances with Motherwell.

“Mark Reynolds has been outstanding all season, the goals against column tells you that,” said Brown. “Reynolds is a brilliant young centre back in my opinion. He is quick and he has an excellent left foot.

“Left footed players are at a premium, naturally left sided guys are very hard to find. It won’t surprise me if we get interest in him.”