Portsmouth chase for Luke Graham set to reach conclusion in battle with Stoke City, Derby County, Rangers & Co for Dundee defender
The latest today as Pompey’s chase for the in-demand Scottish defender reaches a climax.
Luke Graham is ready to decide his Championship destination with his future set to become clear.
The chase for the defender is about to come to a head, with Pompey still hopeful they can secure the services of the Dundee man.
Pompey target deciding destination amid bid reports
Bids from the Blues and second-tier rivals Stoke City have been placed with the SPL outfit, according to reports north of the border last night.
They state the Dens Park outfit are looking for £2m plus add-ons, for the player who’s about to enter the final year of his existing agreement.
The News understands Graham is now deciding the best place for him to ply his trade next season, with the likes of Derby County and Rangers also keen.
It’s looking like the Championship is increasingly likely to be the destination for the 22-year-old, who’s created a transfer stampede this summer with clubs across Europe keen on securing the centre-back’s services.
Pompey are hopeful their protracted interest in Graham leaves them in a good position to secure a move.
John Mousinho sees the Scottish under-21 international as a front-line operator in a squad already stacked with central defensive options.
They can call upon six players in that part of the pitch at present, though, Mousinho last night told The News Ibane Bowat is free to leave Fratton Park this summer.
Regan Poole, Conor Shaughnessy, Madiodio Dia, Hayden Matthews and Josh Knight make up Pompey’s other contracted centre-backs.
The Blues’ pursuit of Graham stretches back to the start of the year, when they had a £1.5m bid for the player rebuffed near the winter window’s climax.
As many as 43 clubs were keen to sign the player this summer; The News reported last week that number had boiled down to four Championship sides and Rangers.
Pompey have yet to make a signing this summer but are looking to increase their spending for a third campaign in the second tier.
Fredrikstad FK midfielder Rocco Shein is wanted; the Estonia international is also admired by Cardiff City and Millwall.
UD Almeria striker Marko Milovanović is also being pursued by Pompey, as they look to bolster their striker department.