Kilmarnock hold firm on Bolton Wanderers target valuation

Bolton Wanderers are understood to have an interest in the 26-year-old, who has just 12 months remaining on his contract with the Scottish Premiership side.

Attempts to secure him to a longer deal have been unsuccessful and reports in the Scottish media claim two unsuccessful bids have been made by the Whites, the most recent of which was in the region of £400,000.

Wanderers have set out their stall to Kilmarnock, naming what they would be prepared to pay, and are also thought to be looking at other options in the winger/wing-back positions.

But McInnes has now left the door open for negotiation by admitting his club would be open to selling Armstrong if their own price was met.

The former Wolves youth product was one of Kilmarnock’s most productive players last season, scoring 10 goals and 14 assists as they finished fourth in the Scottish top flight and qualified for the Europa League.

McInnes claims Armstrong remains happy to continue at Rugby Park but with Bolton now looking to step up their own transfer business less than a month away from the start of the League One campaign, there could now be scope for further talks.

Asked if he felt he could keep Armstrong beyond this summer, the Kilmarnock boss said: “We can. It has been my priority to get players secured and we don’t want them to go into the last year of their contract.

“This isn’t a case of waking up and saying: ‘We’d better deal with Danny.’ “We have been trying for the last seven or eight months, or so, to get Danny to extend.

“The conversations have been amicable. We put forward a brilliant offer to him and his representatives but it wasn’t enough. And sometimes that is just the way it is.

“While he is here, he is committed, he is looking forward to being part of the European campaign and looking forward to the season start.

“Going forward it is important for a club like ourselves to try and make sure that is not the norm, and I don’t expect it to be. If we get an offer for Danny that matches the valuation of the club then, of course, he may have that opportunity to move but nobody has come anywhere near that valuation and Danny isn’t itching to move, so by the same token we’re looking forward to what will hopefully be another productive season for him.”

Danny Armstrong, left, scored 10 goals and provided 14 assists for Kilmarnock last season (Image: PA)

Armstrong was born in Taunton, Somerset, but was being touted for a place as a right wing-back in Scotland’s Euro 2024 squad having previously represented them at Under-16s level. He also qualifies to play international football for Ireland.

Wanderers have been looking to improve their options in the wing-back positions and the left-footed Armstrong could offer real flexibility, as he is also able to play further forward on either side of attack.

Ian Evatt has hinted that some major moves could be in the offing in the transfer market - and Armstrong would certainly be viewed as a coup, in what has been the most successful spell of his career to date.

Randell Williams’ foot injury means he is unlikely to make the start of the season, which leaves Bolton short on cover on the left side.

Josh Dacres-Cogley was virtually ever-present on the right last season and Luke Matheson has been drafted in from the B Team to act as pre-season cover, with Gethin Jones also nursing an injury at present.

Armstrong - who was also linked with Rangers back in May - had previously said he was in no rush to sign a new deal in Ayrshire but was enjoying his time with the club.

"It’s important to look after yourself, it’s a great place to be, full of unbelievable people,” he said at the end of the season. “There’s no rush, I’m still under contract here and I just want to get through these last two games.

"I love this club. We’ve always been in light discussions about whether Kilmarnock wants to tie me down here even longer. I feel people will expect that. It’s a great feeling knowing that your club wants to extend your contract. If there can be some sort of agreement that can be done then it’s something I will look at.

"Especially when you’re about to start a family you need to consider what’s best for every aspect. I’ve got good people behind me who can look after me and give me the best advice. All I can say is I love this place, I love being here and I’ve still got another year on my contract. If anything comes up, it’s something I might need to look at, but if not then I’m more than happy at Kilmarnock. It truly is a great place."