MORTON manager Jonatan Johansson says contract talks are under way with some members of his squad as he starts planning for next season — and he hopes to have news on a few players ‘soon’.

The Ton boss says there is likely to be movement towards the end of this month with some players’ deals.
Reece Lyon is one player Johansson is keen to re-sign following the 18-year-old’s impressive form after breaking through into the first team this season.

The manager has previously stated he sees the Greenock-born youngster ‘as a long-term servant and asset for the club’.

Lyon spoke to the Tele last week saying he was keen to extend his stay at Cappielow.

The midfielder has been a key figure for the Greenock side in the last few weeks, starting the last three games for them in the middle of the park.

After Morton’s clash against Alloa Athletic today, the Cappielow outfit have two weeks off before they host Partick Thistle on March 30 and Johansson revealed more planning for next season will be carried out during that time period.

He told the Tele: “We’ve spoken to a few players, Reece is one that’s been mentioned a few times and we’re hoping to get that done pretty soon.

“We’re working on the budget for next season and the direction, and after this game against Alloa there is a two-week break, so there’s a little bit more time to plan and rest some players.”

The Tele also revealed this week Chris Millar is set for a contract extension after making 25 appearances this season for the Ton.

The 35-year-old and club captain Jim McAlister are set for new one-year-deals having triggered clauses in their contracts.

Johansson says the veterans will give the club an experienced spine to his team and help the younger players next season.

While they’re almost ‘done deals’, the manager hopes to continue building his squad for next term.

He added: “There are a few who had clauses in their contracts, the experienced ones, so we have a base for next season and it’s about talking to these players as well.

“The plans are quite advanced but you never know what’s going to happen.

“There are a lot of games to be played but we’re also scouting and looking at different players and how we want to build for next season.”