Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has spoken clearly about Tawanda Maswanhise as speculation around the winger continues to grow.

Celtic have been repeatedly linked with the player in recent weeks, with reports suggesting close monitoring of his progress.

 

Maswanhise has been one of Motherwell’s standout performers this season. His form has naturally drawn attention from elsewhere, including from clubs higher up the table who are looking to strengthen attacking areas.

With the January window moving toward its final stages, uncertainty around key players often increases. In this case, Askou has moved to set out Motherwell’s position in firm terms.

From a Celtic perspective, Maswanhise has been viewed as a possible option rather than an advanced target. The Hoops are active in the market, but timing and availability continue to shape which moves are realistic before the deadline.

Askou said: (Motherwell FC YouTube), “There’s been a lot of concrete rumours about Tawanda and a lot of concrete speculation and guessing and all sorts of things that we have to hear and sometimes read.

“But we are in no negotiations with anyone regarding any of our top players, and we are not selling any of our top players this window.

“It’s very, very late, and we want them to stay here and finish at least this season, and then we’ll see in the summer.

“Well, I think I’ve said before that we are under no pressure in this football club, because the club is well-driven over time, and we made a really good sell, a big sell, of Lennon (Miller) in the summer.

“So there’s no stress from anyone that we need to generate money now from a sell. On the contrary, there’s a mutual agreement and understanding that we want to strengthen our opportunities to reach out for the maximum possible of this season, and obviously that includes keeping hold of the best players.”

Askou’s comments leave little room for doubt about Motherwell’s stance. The club see no need to move Maswanhise on while the season is still active.

That position matters when assessing Celtic’s options. Interest alone does not lead to movement if the selling club are unwilling to engage.

Celtic’s own window has been shaped by short-term needs and longer planning. With priorities in other areas, patience has often been preferred to forcing a deal.

Maswanhise’s situation also reflects a wider pattern. Clubs outside the top two are increasingly prepared to hold onto key players until summer, when value and leverage can be greater.

For Celtic, that means some links are likely to cool rather than progress. Monitoring a player does not always lead to a bid, especially when conditions are not favourable.

Askou’s reference to past sales adds context. Motherwell are not operating under pressure, which strengthens their position in any discussion.

The timing of the window plays a major role. Late January deals often depend on urgency, and that urgency does not appear to exist on Motherwell’s side.

From a Celtic angle, the focus may now remain on targets that can be progressed more cleanly. Domestic options can become expensive and complicated at this stage.

Maswanhise’s form will continue to be watched. Strong performances tend to keep interest alive even when a move is delayed.

Summer may offer a different landscape altogether. Clubs plan with more clarity and fewer constraints once the season is complete.

For now, Askou has drawn a clear line. Maswanhise is staying put, and Motherwell intend to push on with their strongest group intact.

That clarity removes one question from the January picture. Celtic’s attention will move elsewhere as the window enters its final stretch.