MOTHERWELL are attempting to strengthen their squad for the new season by targeting Celtic's John Kennedy and Jim O'Brien.
The pair travelled with the Fir Park party to their Austrian training camp at the weekend and manager Mark McGhee is trying to clinch deals with Parkhead counterpart Gordon Strachan.
Former Taylor High School pupil Kennedy (24) is trying to kick
start his career after a horrific knee injury sustained while playing for Scotland four years ago.
He returned to action last year but was sidelined again in the autumn by another knee injury.
Kennedy realises first team opportunities could be limited at Celtic Park in the coming season and believes playing regular football on a loan deal will give him a better chance to re-establish himself.
He would certainly strengthen a central defence which conceded too many set piece goals for McGhee's liking last season, but Well could face competition for Kennedy now that his availability has been made known.
Meanwhile, former Scotland under-21 winger O'Brien is keen to make an impression at Fir Park.
The 20-year-old, who has had spells with Dunfermline and Dundee United, has struggled to make the breakthrough at Celtic.
He said: "It would be great to come to Motherwell. My future is up to the manager and Scott Leitch and what they think of me. I am here so they can have a close look at what I have to offer.
"Just how much I impress is down to me and I want to create a positive impression.
"I know some of the boys at Motherwell from when I was away with Scotland under-17s level and big John Kennedy, who is in a slightly different situation to me, is someone I know very well.
"There are guys my age who have been playing first team football for two or three years so I think it's time I took that step and I aim to be playing every week."
Well completed their first signing of the summer last week, capturing defensive midfielder Bob Malcolm on a one-year deal.
The 27-year-old former Rangers star spent three months at Fir Park last season after agreeing to terminate his contract at Derby County where he endured a difficult time with injury.
He could be a key man in midfield with his ability to break-up opposition attacks.
Well are in action against Romanian champions CFR Cluj in Austria on Thursday, July 17 and have a further friendly against Czech side FC Zlin at the weekend before returning to Scotland to face English Championship side Wolves at Fir Park on Wednesday, July 23.
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