Glasgow Rangers have joined Lincoln City in the growing chase for Dundee defender Luke Graham, with the highly rated centre-back attracting attention from across Britain and Europe.
The 22-year-old has been one of the standout defensive prospects in Scotland after a strong season in the Premiership, and City are among a long list of clubs credited with an interest as Dundee prepare for a summer of speculation around one of their academy success stories.
However, it is set to be an intense pursuit, as 43 clubs have previously been listed as interested, with Rangers always being one of those. However, a change in manager has reportedly intensified their hunt.
Rangers Interest Adds To Graham Chase
Lincoln have already been linked with Graham, who has also been mentioned in connection with several English clubs during recent weeks. Rangers are now said to be readying their own move as new manager Derek McInnes begins shaping his squad at Ibrox.
The Ibrox outfit are expected to target defensive reinforcements, with uncertainty around their own back line creating space for a potential statement addition. Graham would fit that profile, having developed into a composed, physically strong centre-back with the sort of age profile that appeals to clubs looking for both immediate impact and resale value.
Portsmouth had a £1.5 million bid rejected in January, underlining Dundee’s valuation of a player who has 12 months left on his contract. Pompey are expected to remain in the mix, while Derby County, Norwich City, Stoke City, Preston North End and Charlton Athletic have also been credited with an interest.
That makes this a difficult race for the Imps, as proven in our interest in Barney Stewart, who joined West Brom yesterday. The Imps have shown before that they can offer a clear pathway, regular football and a strong development environment, which can be attractive when a player is choosing between several options, but money is also a big factor.
Dundee Set For Summer Decision
Graham came through Dundee’s academy and has taken important steps in recent seasons, including loan spells away from the club before establishing himself in the first-team picture. His progress has also been recognised internationally, with the defender involved at Scotland youth level and previously called into the senior Scotland squad.
Dundee have not yet received a formal summer offer, according to reports, but there is an expectation that interest could become more concrete once the window gathers pace. Any sale would potentially bring in a major fee for the Scottish club, which would then reinvest funds into Steven Pressley’s squad.
There is also reported interest from outside Britain, with clubs in Germany, Spain, Austria, Portugal and Poland said to have been monitoring Graham alongside the Imps. Schalke 04, Valencia, Red Bull Salzburg, Sturm Graz, Famalicao, Lech Poznan and Jagiellonia Bialystok have all been named in connection with the defender.