Celtic and Rangers transfer target opens up on speculation as 22y/o tipped for more stardom

In-demand Dundee defender Luke Graham is remaining calm despite dealing with intense speculation over his future.

Graham was the subject of a failed bid from Portsmouth in January and has been linked with a host of other clubs, including Celtic and Rangers. The 22-year-old centre-half has been tipped to play in the English Premier League by his manager Steven Pressley due to his good form and remains one of Dundee’s most important players.

Graham spoke on the eve of facing Aberdeen with Dundee at Pittodrie on how he coped with being in the spotlight during the transfer window.

Luke Graham has been in excellent form for Dundee this season. | SNS Group

“It’s obviously good to get recognised for having good performances and stuff like that, but I don’t let it get to my head at all,” said Graham. “I’m just focusing on finishing the season here and finishing as high up the table as possible.

“I’m loving it. I just want to play games, really, and thankfully the manager’s given me the chance to do that. I’m loving working with him and obviously playing a few games is a bit of a bonus as well.”

Scotland Under-21 internationalist Graham, who has spent time on loan at Albion Rovers in League Two, Montrose in League One and Falkirk in the Championship in previous seasons, has had to be patient to get his chance in the Premiership.

“It’s been a lot of hard work, really,” the defender continued. “I’ve been in every league for the last few years, so it’s just been a case of stepping up to that next level, which I feel like I’ve done really well.”

Graham has also been touted for a potential Scotland call-up. “I’ve not really thought about that too much,” he said. “It would obviously be amazing if it did come around, but I’ve not really set my sights on it yet. As far as I’m concerned, I’m still Scotland Under-21, so that’s all good.

“I would love to play for Scotland on the full team eventually, but I’m just focusing on playing my football here and then see what comes in the future.”