The latest story which prompted Butcher to respond appeared yesterday and is a contender for the most ludicrous piece of speculation yet. James McFadden is obviously the focus of media attention and rumours of a move to Rangers are rife. However, £350,000 up front with the same again after appearances was never going to appeal to Motherwell.
Butcher stated that no offer had been received for McFadden and in any case, we would not be accepting something as low as £750,000. He also pointed out that while Stevie Hammell and Stephen Pearson have been linked with various moves, there has not been a definite bid received for either of them. 
While most of the players were back at work today, James McFadden has an extra ten days off to help him recuperate from the foot injury which ruled him out of the Scotland-Germany game at the beginning of June. Steven Craigan, who did play for his country over summer, has also been given another week off to recover.