Reports this week claimed the club would have received a six-figure sum in a sponsorship deal with Glasgow-based Real Radio.

The idea was dismissed out of hand, but Well say they are still in talks with the station about sponsorship.

While confirming that Well have been in contact with Real Radio – famous for presenter Robin Galloway's morning wind-ups – chief executive Ian Stillie refused to discuss the proposal to re-name the ground Real Radio Stadium.

He said: "Real Radio and Motherwell FC have been in preliminary discussion over several potential sponsorship options, the details of which are treated as commercial and in confidence. No agreement has been reached at this point in time."

A Real Radio spokesman said: ''We were keen to work with Motherwell, but talks stalled and we are now looking at other options.''

Meanwhile, Well have postponed the ceremony to re-name the Main Stand after late skipper Phil O'Donnell. This follows the cancellation of the match with Spanish side Villarreal on Saturday, August 2.

It had been hoped that new opponents could be found for that date – a week before the start of the SPL season – but a club spokesman said this week: "Nothing of attraction could be confirmed. The current plan is to postpone the official re-naming to later on in the season when more appropriate opposition can be found.

"Details of any other arrangements for Saturday, August 2, will be announced as soon as they are confirmed."

Meanwhile, the holidays are over for Motherwell's players as they have now returned to pre-season training at Dalziel Park.

There will shortly be a change of scenery for the squad as they head off to Austria for a training camp and two friendly matches.

On their return to Scotland, Mark McGhee's men have further friendlies against Wolves, Bradford City and Preston North End before the SPL season starts on August 9.