Motherwell manager Mark McGhee is waiting for an answer from midfielder Bob Malcolm over his contract extension offer at Fir Park.The former Rangers player helped the Steelmen qualify for the UEFA Cup after joining on a short-term deal in February following his exit from Derby.

McGhee said: "Bob said that for the next couple of weeks he would like to keep his options open and see what's out there, he doesn't want to rush anything.

"I have given him until the start of pre-season training, which is July 3, before we have to look elsewhere."

While Malcolm could be swayed by the prospect of European football, McGhee faces losing Ross McCormack and Simon Lappin from the squad that ended the season in third place in the Scottish Premier League.

McCormack, who held talks with Wigan in January, is keen on a move to England, while Lappin is eager to establish himself at Norwich after his loan spell at Fir Park ended.

Lappin impressed during the run-in and could yet end up at Fir Park but he wants another chance at impressing City boss Glenn Roeder, who dropped the former St Mirren midfielder shortly after replacing Peter Grant as manager.

"I have spoken to Ross," McGhee said. "He has one or two options that might come to fruition, and if they do it will be really hard to keep him at Motherwell.

"If they don't then we might be in with a chance.

"Simon Lappin is someone who wants to go back to Norwich and see where he stands."

McGhee added: "We are still hopeful of brining in a few new players. I'm trying hard, speaking to a lot of people all the time."

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