Max Johnston just the start of Sturm Graz transfer raids as insider tips defender for big money next step

Johnston came off the bench in the Nations League clash with Greece to make his first appearance for Steve Clarke's men

Sports director Michael Parensen has admitted Sturm Graz are continuing to keep an eye on the Scottish market to see who can follow in the footsteps of international new boy Max Johnston.

The Scottish Premiership has been a lucrative market for the Austrian champions in recent seasons.

They signed Johnston on freedom of contract from Motherwell and he went on to make his Scotland debut in Thursday’s 1-0 Nations League win over Greece.

Sturm Graz also snapped up Mika Biereth after he had also impressed on loan at Fir Park from Arsenal and then sold him on to French side Monaco for big-money in the winter window.

Parensen admitted: “It is a market we look at. Max and Mika are both interesting examples of players who have done well for us.

“They both had good mentalities. They fit into the Austrian mentality and our style of play.

“We need a lot of intensity and physicality. Both are good examples of how good a fit they have been for us.

“We are always looking in the Scottish market to see and find more players like Mika and Max, who can contribute to Sturm Graz.

“The style of play in Austria is similar to Scotland and that is why it is a market we look at closely.”

The Austrian side also knows Scotland also offers better value for money than the over inflated market south of the border and in Europe’s bigger leagues. It is a case of trying to unearth gems elsewhere.

Parensen accepted: “We need to be more creative. We can’t afford to shop in the bigger markets on transfer fees or on the salary side.

“We can’t compete with the likes of England and the other top leagues. We shop in some of the smaller European markets and they are more interesting for us.

“We aren’t in the biggest market in Austria but we can provide a platform to win titles and to play in Europe. We can help players to develop them and then it is our job to sell them if they have been successful.”

Johnston has nailed down the right-back slot at Sturm Graz this season and has added to his growing reputation.

Parensen doesn’t think it will be long before bigger clubs from bigger leagues come calling for their 21-year-old right back. His statistics this season have put him on the radar of some top European outfits.

The Sturm Graz chief said: “What I can say is that there are a lot of scouts from all over Europe who attend our games.

“I see the list of scouts before every match. I am pretty sure given his age, his physical attributes and the way he is progressing that some of the clubs will be looking at him.

“Max will be a very interesting player for a lot of the clubs, including the English market. I expect something to come for Max if he continues the way he has of late."