Transfer gossip: Portsmouth handed blow over major target as Scottish giants Rangers advance on deal for rising star linked with Celtic QPR and Sheffield United
The Scotland under-21 international is a major Pompey transfer target, but it looks as if Dundee star could be headed for Ibrox this summer.
Pompey have been handed a sizable setback in their pursuit of a significant transfer target, according to reports.
The Blues are on the trail of Dundee defender, Luke Graham, with the Scottish under-21 international made a January transfer window priority.
Rangers hit front in race to land Pompey target
Pompey registered a bid of £1.5m for the centre-back at the window’s climax with the price going up from there, despite that figure representing a record fee received for the SPL outfit.
The pursuit proved unsuccessful, with Dundee not budging on their position Graham was wanted at Dens Park as they fought for their top-flight status in Scotland.
With the 22-year-old remaining with this club there was the potential for Pompey to return to the table this summer and look to revive their interest in the player.
That is starting to look a tougher task, however, with reports north of the border Scottish giants Rangers are advancing in a bid to take Graham to Ibrox.
The player have already been linked with a host of clubs including Celtic, Sheffield United and QPR, with 33 SPL appearances already to his name.
But it’s Rangers who are now in the box seat according to Daily Record journalist, Keith Jackson, who says they are progressing over completing a move for Graham.
Rangers ‘quite far down the line’ with Graham deal
Jackson believes an agreement could be reached which would see the player loaned back to his existing employers to continue his development.
He said: ‘I think they are quite far down the line with Luke Graham. I think he's been identified for a number of weeks now.
‘Interestingly, I believe that (Rangers chairman) Andrew Cavenagh is quite central to some of the discussions.
‘You would have expected him to delegate and let the minions handle that stuff but I think he has taken personal interest in what the recruitment department are looking at this summer.
‘I expect them to put a bid in for him. It wouldn't surprise me if they did a deal with Dundee to buy him and the loan him back next season so he can get another year of Premiership experience.
‘That would be better for his development than sitting struggling to get minutes at Ibrox.’