Luke Graham
First reported: 27th May
Dundee defender Luke Graham was linked with City by Alan Nixon, who had initially mentioned the Imps as potential suitors in February before reporting that Stoke City and Rangers were also competing for his signature. The 22-year-old Scotland Under-21 international came through Dundee’s academy and gained senior experience on loan with Lochee United, Albion Rovers, Montrose and Falkirk before establishing himself in the Scottish Premiership. Graham, a 6ft 4in centre-back, was valued at around £1.5 million and had also reportedly attracted interest from Portsmouth, Derby County, Norwich City, Charlton Athletic, Preston North End and Schalke.
In the end, Stoke City signed him, and he’s an immediate starter for them, with four Championship outings. Jez George later indicated that Graham was one of two young Scottish players City had pursued during the summer:
“We were going up against some massive clubs in the Championship and we lost those races. However, we should be in those races.
“I think that’s right and proper for us at that point of the summer. When we know those players are available, if we’ve identified them as targets, even though Barney signs for West Brom and another player signs for another big club in the Championship, it’s right that we’re in that race.
“Is it a blow to lose the race? Yeah, of course. You always want to sign good young players.”
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