Rangers and Sheffield United target told 'the world's ahead of him' as he's given contract advice
The Dundee star has been described as ‘one of the best’ in his position
Rangers and Sheffield United transfer target Luke Graham has the world at his feet, according to Dundee teammate Brad Halliday, as SPFL Premiership and EFL Championship attention continues.
The 22-year old has also attracted interest from other English Championship sides as well as Sheffield United and the Light Blues after a strong season at Dens Park. January saw him linked with the likes of QPR and Portsmouth however no move materialised. As the summer transfer window now gets underway, it’s now game on again for the centre back, who also has experience playing for Scotland Under-21s.
Versatile teammate Halliday made his switch to Tayside from Bradford City in January. Speaking to the Sun, the 30-year old waxed lyrical about Graham and isn’t surprised that outside noise is growing in decibels for the defender. He also maintains the hope that he’ll stay at Dens Park despite attention from both north and south of the border.
Graham’s teammate claims ‘he’s one of the best’
Halliday said: "From watching Luke before I signed, and now playing alongside him, I've said to a few of my friends he's one of the best centre-halves I've played with. He's got so much potential. He's only 22, was nominated for the Young Player of the Year, which he didn't get but I think he was hard done by missing out on that.
“He's got a really bright future, the world's ahead of him. He has to keep a level head and his feet on the ground, but I see him every day in training so I have no doubts he'll do that. I can definitely see why there's a lot of interest in him — although I've been telling him to get that new contract signed!”
Graham was pipped to the Premiership’s Young Player of the Year award by Rangers man Mikey Moore, whose recently returned to parent club Tottenham. Having enjoyed loan spells at Lochee United, Albion Rovers, Montrose and Falkirk, Graham already has experience at every level of the Scottish game. Halliday also thinks his ability on the ball will stand him in good stead for the rest of his career.
Halliday on ‘capable’ Rangers target
He continued: "With the experience he's gained playing a full season in the Premiership and doing it to such a high standard, teams are always going to be looking. He's got so much composure on the ball, which is impressive for someone of his age, he uses his body well, rarely loses a header and likes to step out. Luke has a lovely left foot on him as well, which always increases your value because it's something teams are looking for. He's played on the right side of centre-back as well, which shows you he's capable."
Rangers central defenders Nasser Djiga and Derek Cornelius have now returned to their parent clubs, Wolves and Marseille respectively as John Souttar and Emmanuel Fernandez remain at the club. Meanwhile, Leon King, who was farmed out to Ayr United last season has also left the club. With Rangers now light in this area, Graham could be an ideal candidate to bolster the numbers at the heart of the defence.
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