'Outstanding' Graham improving amid period of speculation

Luke Graham is reportedly attracting interest from a number of clubs [SNS]

Dundee head coach Steven Pressley has praised "outstanding" Luke Graham for the way he has handled speculation over his future, insisting the player "has got better" amid the uncertainty.

The 22-year-old defender has been a standout for the Dark Blues this term, so it is unsurprising he has been linked with a move away from Dens Park.

Dundee rejected a bid from south of the border during the January transfer window, but that hasn't stopped links with possible summer moves to both Rangers and Celtic.

"I have a strong relationship with Luke and he is a player that is showing incredible personality for one so young," Pressley said.

"He has had to deal with this speculation now for a number of months and the argument hasn't been has it affected him - he has grown during this period, he has got better and better. His performance at the weekend was outstanding again.

"So it certainly doesn't seem to affect him, and at this moment in time whether his mind is on moving or not, it is certainly not showing in his commitment to this football club.

"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."

Dundee remain in talks with a number of players who are out of contract in the summer over new deals.

However, with the team just five points above the Premiership relegation play-off spot, Pressley admits the current lack of clarity over what league they will be playing in next season will be in the thoughts of some of those they want to keep.

He said: "There must be a degree of that with the players, certainly not with the club.

"We are in negotiations with the likes of Jon McCracken, Ryan Astley, Billy Koumetio, Charlie Reilly and we are pushing for all of these players to re-sign because I have gone on record so many times talking about the importance of stability and continuity.

"But equally although the club is in negotiations there is bound to be a degree of trepidation from them about re-signing if we are not in the Premiership so I am sure that is a factor but the club are really trying to tie these players up."