Rangers see defender transfer rivals put under 'huge pressure' amid talks 'raging on' as race heats up
The Light Blues have competition for one of the Premiership rival transfer targets
Rangers are facing EFL Championship competition in the transfer race for Dundee defender Luke Graham, as Stoke City have now reportedly made a move.
The 22-year old is been monitored by a host of English second tier sides, including Sheffield United, Portsmouth and QPR. Recently-promoted Lincoln City have now been added to that list along with the Potters. Scotland U21s international Graham stayed at Dens Park in January despite an influx of interest, but as the summer window commences, the race has resumed with a couple of more runners.
Graham come through the youth ranks on Tayside and after a succession of loan moves away, is now an integral part of Steven Pressley’s side, who came eighth in the Premiership table despite a poor start. However, with the constant outside noise he may now have played his last game as a Dundee player.
Rangers face Stoke City in transfer race
According prominent transfer journalist, Alan Nixon, Stoke are preparing a seven figure bid. He said via Patreon: “Stoke City are making a move for Dundee centre half Luke Graham - and trying to outbid Lincoln and Rangers. The Potters plan to buy highly rated Graham under huge pressure from their rivals - with talks raging on.
“Graham is keen on a move to England despite Rangers trying to do a deal. And Stoke need to match the valuation and wages for him. Stoke may go to £1.5 million and offer a salary that tempts the Dee defender. Lincoln are also lurking after winning promotion. The Imps have made an offer for a player who they wanted last season and see as a key capture now.”
The Potters had a strong start to last season’s Championship but slowly slid town the table to 15th, as they now look to regroup in numbers for the next campaign. Meanwhile, Lincoln are on the up, after they stormed EFL League One last season with a points tally of 103.
Price must be right for sought after Dundee star
The Gers transfer target came on as a substitute for the Dark Blues in their final day 3-2 victory over Aberdeen in what could be his last game in a Dundee shirt. However, while boss Pressley recognises the speculation, he said after the match that Graham will be going nowhere if his ‘valuation’ isn’t met. He said: "So it certainly doesn't seem to affect him (speculation).
"But we know, we are a club that understands if players accelerate at the rate Luke Graham has, there will be interest in him and if the right bids come in then of course, like any club outwith maybe one or two in the world, we are a selling club. But the club turned down a substantial offer for Luke in January because he will not be sold unless the [buying] club reaches the correct valuation."
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