Motherwell could not offer Dobbie terms to match those promised by Swansea

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee says he failed in an attempt to sign striker Stephen Dobbie because he could not match the wages offered elsewhere.

The 26-year-old has agreed to join Championship club Swansea City when his contract with Queen of the South expires at the end of the season.

"We tried to sign Stephen Dobbie, but he went to Swansea for money we couldn't afford," said McGhee.

The Motherwell boss made approaches to two other players on Thursday.

"I tried to sign two players yesterday, I'm speaking to another player today and we've got another coming on trial next week," said McGhee, who has begun the process of speaking to Motherwell players whose contracts expire in the summer.

"The players who are out of contract here have not given me a definitive answer.

"They all say they want to keep their options open, which they are entitled to do."

Goalkeeper Graeme Smith, defenders Brian McLean and Bob Malcolm, plus midfielder Stephen Hughes are nearing the completion of their current deals.

Meanwhile, Motherwell are also hoping to sign defender Maros Klimpl, who has been on loan from Midtjylland but will be free to leave the Danish club in the summer.

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