Fresh transfer twist in Portsmouth battle for in-demand talent as Rangers make move
Pompey are one of 43 clubs holding an interest in Dundee defender Luke Graham ahead of the summer window.
The race to sign in-demand Dundee defender Luke Graham is heating up ahead of the summer window.
Pompey, of course, were heavily linked with the centre-back during the winter window, with the Dark Blues rejecting a number of bids, which started at £1.5m, for their promising academy graduate.
Rangers ready to make first Luke Graham move
But the pursuit in Graham is intensifying, with a fresh report north of the border suggesting Rangers are looking to make the first move.
Our sister paper, Glasgow World, have claimed the Gers are readying a formal offer for the Scotland youth international, having tracked his progress in recent months.
The article states contact with Dundee will be made in the coming days to see whether an agreement can be reached.
The Dark Blues are said to have already fielded a number of calls, with several clubs enquiring about his availability.
While Rangers are preparing to launch an ambitious move to secure Graham’s services, the Ibrox outfit will have to win over the defender’s personal preferences.
It is understood the former Falkirk loanee’s desire is a move to the Championship this summer as he looks to test himself in English football.
Clubs across Europe are tracking the young talent, with Derby County, Norwich City, Stoke City, Lincoln City, Charlton Athletic and Preston North End all joining the Blues in registering an interest from the second tier.
The Blues had a number of bids, starting at £1.5m, turned down by the Scottish Premiership outfit, who held firm on stance.
The News also understands the opportunity to work with John Mousinho does hold an appeal for the 22-year-old, who has seen the work the Pompey boss has put into developing young talent.
Dundee position over Pompey target
Dundee are resigned to losing their in-demand academy graduate this summer, after a stellar breakthrough campaign.
Graham registered 41 appearances in all competitions for Steven Pressley’s side, who secured an eighth-placed finish in Scotland’s top-flight.
He said: ‘There's a lot of interest in Luke from here, England and abroad. It's difficult to see him here next season with the amount of clubs interested. But we're in no rush to sell.
‘I understand if we get to the valuation we will sell, I know that. The big thing is, for clubs like us to function properly, there needs to be good outcomes in terms of the fee.
‘It's not just the fee, there's the sell-on as well because what you can receive is very important these days.
‘I brought Jarrad Branthwaite through at Carlisle and when he was supposed to go to Manchester United, it was going to generate about £7m for them at the time, so that has to be a consideration.
‘Of course you want to demand as high a fee as possible, but it's beneficial to look beyond that.
‘Luke has the capabilities to be a centre-back in the English Premier League down the line. But if he is still here in August, I'd be very happy.’