‘Had phone calls’: Dundee boss provides fresh transfer update on £1.5m Portsmouth target as race intensifies

Steven Pressley has stressed Dundee are still to receive a ‘concrete’ offer regarding in-demand defender Luke Graham

But the Dark Blues boss has admitted ‘a lot of interest’ remains over the 22-year-old, who has admirers from across England, Scotland and abroad.

Pompey are long-term admirers of the centre-back, having had several bids in the £1.5m region turned down in the January window.

John Mousinho’s troops are reigniting their pursuit in Graham, though, with a fresh report detailing the Blues were hoping to hold talks with the defender this week.

The News understands Pompey remain well-placed in the race to land the Scotland youth international, with four Championship clubs also in the running.

Scottish Premiership side Rangers are still keen in the centre-back, who is certain to depart Dens Park this summer.

However, Graham initially missed Dundee’s return to pre-season training, with Pressley giving the green light for the ex-Falkirk loanee to have an extra week off after his involvement in Scotland’s pre-World Cup training camp.

But the 22-year-old has since made his return to training this week as the Dark Blues prepare to face Livingston in a friendly this week before jetting off to Hungary for a week-long camp.

Dundee boss provides fresh transfer update on Pompey target

The head coach explained the reasons behind Graham’s training absence and delivered a fresh update over the defender’s current transfer situation.

Speaking to The Courier this week, Pressley said: ‘At this moment in time Luke will be coming to Hungary with us next week – although we are aware of the amount of interest there is in him.

‘We gave him extra time off because he was away being part of the Scotland camp before the World Cup.

‘He’s due back in later this week and if things stay the same, he’ll be coming with us.

‘There hasn’t been any concrete bits yet but we’ve all had phone calls from various clubs about him.

‘There’s a lot of interest but it’s still very early in the window, so we’ll just have to see what transpires.

‘Until anything does happen, Luke is with us and will be doing everything like he’s going to start the season with us.’

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Pompey’s defensive reinforcements

Pompey are well-stocked at present at the heart of defence, with six options currently in Mousinho’s ranks.

Conor Shaughnessy, Regan Poole, Josh Knight, Hayden Matthews, Madiodio Dia and Ibane Bowat are all vying for a spot in the backline.

That picture is expected to shift, however, with a deal for Graham no doubt leaving the Blues with some defensive surgery this summer.

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