Dundee boss Steven Pressley has addressed Celtic’s interest in Luke Graham.
The defender has been linked with a host of clubs, having enjoyed a breakthrough season at Dundee.
Celtic are among them, as well as Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers. Ex-Hoops defender Pressley isn’t surprised by the interest, but he is by something else.
He said: “The only thing that surprised me was that neither Celtic or Rangers looked to be pursuing him in January.
“He’s maybe a couple of steps away, but I believe that Luke’s a Premier League player. News of them being interested doesn’t surprise me at all.”
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Steven Pressley gives Celtic background on Luke Graham
Graham is 22 years of age, and could easily be swayed by the interest – but Pressley only had positive things to say about his prized asset.
He said: “Normally young players can be affected by this situation, but Luke’s performances have improved during what has been quite an uncertain period for him, which says a lot about him.
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“We haven’t spoken much about it.
“I’ve tried to keep things as normal as possible — not too many distractions, just let him get on with it. He’s been a credit to himself.
“There was a genuine feeling around the group that when we all went into an analysis meeting the day after the window closed and Luke was sitting there, everybody was pleased to see him.
“That’s the respect he’s got from his fellow players.
“For someone so young, we were all pleased that he was still in the building. That tells a lot of the story.”
Dundee are reportedly demanding a club-record fee for Graham, which would come to north of £2 million.
They turfed out several bids from Portsmouth last month, with QPR, Hibernian and Aberdeen all also credited with an interest.
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SPFL players linked with Celtic in January
Celtic enquired about Kieron Bowie early in January, in a search for a striker which lasted until the 20th of the month, when he completed a move to Hellas Verona in Italy.
Tawanda Maswanhise was also widely linked, but the player’s camp reported no approach from Celtic before the deadline.
Celtic were also linked with Josh Mulligan, Bowie’s ex-teammate at Hibs. They face stiff competition for the 23-year-old, with Premier League clubs keen.
Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson is another SPFL player with reported interest from Celtic and Italy.
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