£1.5m Portsmouth target's stock on rise again after latest achievement as Rangers and Celtic circle
Pompey had several bids turned down for Dundee defender Luke Graham in the January transfer window.
January Pompey target Luke Graham is currently enjoying a brilliant breakthrough campaign with Scottish Premiership outfit Dundee.
The centre-back was firmly on the radar of the football operations at Fratton Park in the winter window as John Mousinho looked to bolster his backline.
Regardless of Pompey’s failed attempt to secure Graham’s services in January, the defender has continued to flourish at Dens Park, with his stock sharply on the rise ahead of a huge summer.
Pompey target nominated for major Scottish accolade
Indeed, the Scotland youth international’s immense contributions this term have been recognised with a nomination for the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award.
The 22-year-old has established himself as a vital figure in Steven Pressley’s backline, totalling 38 outings in all competitions to date as they bid to avoid Scottish Premiership relegation.
Graham does, though, face stiff competition for the prized accolade, with Rangers talent Mikey Moore also listed after a stellar season on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.
The highly-rated duo have also been joined by 20-year-old Falkirk striker Barney Stewart, who has netted 18 goals in 31 appearances this season.
The nomination will no doubt enhance Graham’s growing reputation north of the border, with his valuation expected to increase this summer.
While it remains to be seen whether Pompey will reignite their interest in the former Montrose loanee, a host of clubs have already registered an interest in the hot property.
Soon after the close of the winter window, reports in Scotland claimed both Celtic and Rangers had the centre-back in their sights, while recently-promoted Lincoln City were also rumoured to be keen.
Luke Graham set for summer exit after Pompey’s failed January pursuit
Graham still has 12 months to run on his current Dens Park contract, with Dundee set to cash in on the academy graduate in the upcoming window.
Speaking to The Courier earlier this month, the Dark Blues boss said: ‘He’s been outstanding for us, he really has. He’s been a real standout. He’s grown week after week.
‘Our biggest problem, it’s obvious, is trying to hold on to him or trying to replace him. That’s going to be the hardest part of the summer. It may be the case that we just have to enjoy him while he’s here.
‘I think that it’s the nature of the way football works that we’re not the only selling club. There’s maybe only one or two clubs in the world that aren’t selling clubs. We have to accept that.
‘But as the club have shown over the January window that Luke Graham won’t be leaving unless we get the fee that we think is acceptable and reflects his value. And that seems to grow by the game.’