Motherwell sign Zak Jules, Elliott Frear and Russell Griffiths as Dean Brill exits

Russell Griffiths will compete with Craig Samson for the Motherwell number one spot

Motherwell have secured the loan signings of Everton goalkeeper Russell Griffiths and Reading central defender Zak Jules.

Winger Elliott Frear has also joined for an undisclosed fee from Forest Green Rovers, while keeper Dean Brill has left to seek first team football.

Griffiths, 20, spent the first half of the season on loan at English League Two side Cheltenham Town.

Jules, 19, is a Scotland Under-21 international.

"We have received some extremely positive feedback on him, as have those at the Scottish FA where he been involved with the under-19s and the under 21s," said 'Well manager Mark McGhee.

"He will add some real competition at the back for us."

All of the new signings could feature against Rangers, when the Glasgow side visit Fir Park on Scottish Premiership duty on Saturday lunchtime.

"I know a few of the boys here from playing in the National League so I'm really looking forward to get going," Frear, 26, told Motherwell's website.

"That was one of the main things really - along with signing for a big club like Motherwell - seeing the likes of Louis Moult and Marvin Johnson go on to do well here, so hopefully I can make the same impact and kick on.

"I'm just an out-and-out winger to be honest. I play on the left side and I like to get at people and cross it - that's my game.

"I got nearly 50 assists over the past few seasons so hopefully I can emulate that up here."

Mark McGhee believes Elliott Frear will add "balance" to his squad

McGhee added: "I'm really pleased that we've secured his signature because he brings a bit of balance to the squad.

"I've said it before but I feel strengthening our squad, particularly at this stage of the campaign, was hugely important and in Elliott we've not only strengthened, but brought in something we've been missing.

"I look forward with anticipation to see how well he settles in. He has the right type of attitude to fit in with the squad we have here which I feel is hugely important.

"Our business isn't finished though. We still anticipate more faces arriving between now and the deadline."

Goalkeeper Griffiths, who has spent six years at Everton, hopes to challenge Well number one Craig Samson for the starting jersey.

His Toffees contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

"I know there's a good number one here to learn from in Craig Samson and hopefully everything will go well while I'm here," he said.

"My career has really just started this season and I've spent the last six months on loan at Cheltenham where I made 29 appearances. I then was back at Everton before signing here today."