Manager Stuart McCall revealed Motherwell have made striker John Sutton "the best deal we can offer" after the striker scored twice as the Scottish Cup finalists came from three goals down to draw 3-3 with Hearts at Tynecastle.
Hearts appeared to be cruising towards victory after Craig Thomson, with a penalty, Rudi Skacel and Ryan Stevenson netted. But Motherwell responded with three second-half goals, Sutton netting headers either side of a Tom Hateley free-kick which evaded everyone.
Sutton, whose second goal came after 88 minutes, is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked to Hearts, among other clubs. But McCall said: "We've offered John the best deal we can offer him, regardless if he goes on and scores a hat-trick in the cup final or whatever. We can't do any more. If it's good enough we'll be delighted."
He added: "We'd love him to stay. The grass is not always greener and sometimes it's not all about finances. There's a lot to be said if you're content and happy where you are."
On the link with Hearts, McCall said: "He's not going to get a game here when (Kevin) Kyle's fit."
Hearts manager Jim Jefferies, who played down the link to Sutton, said: "It feels like a defeat. But I suppose I can balance it out with a lot of positives because it's probably as good as we've played in quite a while."
While Hearts had numerous chances to add to their tally - Stevenson twice hitting the post - they were also indebted to returning goalkeeper Marian Kello for keeping Motherwell at bay.
Jefferies added: "What a game Marian had. He didn't deserve to lose three goals."
Kello was making his first appearance since March 19. After initially being ruled out by a back spasm, "a private matter" led to his non-selection, with Jefferies insisting the decision was taken without the intervention of majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov.
Jefferies said: "It's an internal matter which involved a bit of legal stuff and it's not right to comment. We're glad it's cleared up and we can get on with it. He looked like he had never been away."
Source: PA
