Stephen Hughes was transfer-listed by Leicester

"We are still in talks with Stephen Hughes' agent to try to sort something out there," McGhee told Well's website ahead of a pre-season trip to Austria.

McGhee is also interested in signing Celtic's Adam Virgo on loan.

But he said that nothing was likely to happen until Celtic return from their pre-season camp in Switzerland.

McGhee is also looking elsewhere for new recruits as he expects other clubs to outbid Motherwell for Hughes, who has yet to agree personal terms with Hearts.

We do not want anyone at the club who does not want to play for us Motherwell manager Mark McGhee

"We will have three Polish trialists with us and possibly one or two others," said McGhee, who is advancing his plans to recruit from German football.

"I will also have a day with Felix Magathe and watching his Wolfsburg side train.

"I have been invited along to watch and I am sure that Felix would not waste my time if there wasn't anybody there he felt could help us."

Meanwhile, Well's Under-19 goalkeeper, Alan Martin, has gone on trial with Leeds United.

Previous Motherwell manager Maurice Malpas had expected Martin to join Rangers, who had inquired about what compensation the Fir Park club would demand, during the summer.

McGhee confirmed that Martin had not signed a new contract and had been allowed to travel to Elland Road.