‘A lot of calls’: Dundee boss provides key transfer update over Portsmouth, Charlton Athletic and Celtic target as interest soars
Pompey had several bids - starting at £1.5m - rejected by Dundee in the January transfer window for Luke Graham.
Pompey target Luke Graham has a ‘lot of interest’ ahead of the transfer window.
That’s according to Dundee head coach Steven Pressley, who is resigned to losing the in-demand 22-year-old this summer.
The centre-back is poised to leave Dens Park this summer as clubs either side of the Scottish border take note of his impressive rise.
Graham enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough campaign with the Dark Blues, where he amassed 36 Scottish Premiership outings as Pressley’s side secured an eighth-placed finish.
After the Blues’ failed swoop, his standing in the game has continued to grow, with Celtic, Rangers, Derby County, Charlton Athletic, Norwich City, Stoke City, Preston North End and Lincoln City all keeping tabs on the defender’s progress.
It’s not just with clubs in England and Scotland who are plotting moves, with suitors on the continent including Schalke, Valencia, Sturm Graz and Red Bull Salzburg registering an interest.
Dundee latest over Luke Graham as interest in Pompey target grows
And with The News understanding 43 outfits across Europe are currently tracking Graham, there’s no surprise Dundee boss Pressley has received ‘a lot of calls’ regarding their in-demand academy graduate.
The head coach said: ‘Listen, we don’t know how things will go over the summer. But what we do know is there is a lot of interest. A lot of interest.
‘We have taken a lot of calls. This might have been the last time Dundee supporters see him in our shirt.
‘I think his performances and how he has gone about things has been an example to everybody. He has handled the pressure that comes with speculation.’
Graham is entering the final 12 months of his Dundee deal, where he’s risen through the ranks and totalled 46 outings since his 2024 debut.
Pompey’s interest in Luke Graham
Pompey were heavily touted with a move for Graham in January as John Mousinho looked to bolster his backline.
The Blues had several bids beginning at £1.5m rejected by Dundee, who heavily increased the defender’s valuation as the window headed towards its climax.
Despite a swathe of interest in the emerging Scottish talent, The News understands a move to Fratton Park is appealing, with his preference a move to the Championship this summer.
Mousinho has six first-team options in his ranks at present following Madiodio Dia’s arrival on deadline day in February.
Conor Shaughnessy, Regan Poole, Josh Knight, Hayden Matthews and Ibane Bowat are the Blues’ other specialists at the heart of defence.