Latest news with #LukeGraham
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'New player' Graham hails loan experiences
Dundee defender Luke Graham says his experiences playing first-team matches have helped him progress far more than academy football would have 21-year-old has had successful loan spells at Lochee United, Albion Rovers, Montrose and Falkirk – where he was part of the Bairns' Championship winning squad last says he has come back from each one of those stints as a "new player"."Just playing games week-in, week-out, it is going to make you a better player and I feel like it did that for me and it was just a really great experience," said Graham."For me personally, I feel like going out and playing men's football is the best thing for you."I have done that three or four times now and I feel every time I have come back a new player."Graham hopes those experiences can help him to establish himself at Dens Park under Steven Pressley."As a centre-back you are not going to go in to a Premiership game after playing under-19s football. It is just not the same thing - you are going to get bashed about."So I feel like you learn a lot from just going out and playing men's football."
Scotsman
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Rangers deal ‘imminent', Celtic move confirmed, Ibrox exits stall over fee
The latest Scottish football transfer news and beyond on Wednesday morning, including the latest rumours from Rangers, Celtic, Falkirk and more. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Here is the latest Scottish football transfer news and gossip this Wednesday morning, including the latest rumours surrounding Rangers, Celtic, Falkirk and more. Dundee defender Luke Graham looks set to be handed a chance by new head coach Steven Pressley. Falkirk transfer blow Newly-promoted Premiership side Falkirk have been dealt a blow in their hopes of re-signing Dundee defender Luke Graham, who spent last season on loan at the club. The Dundee defender played 23 times for John McGlynn's side as they achieved back-to-back promotions, and there was believed to be an interest in bringing him back to the Falkirk Stadium this summer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, those hopes look to have been dashed by Dundee's new boss Steven Pressley, who is aiming to give him a shot in his first team after being impressed by the player in pre-season. 'He's a great size,' said Pressley. 'A great profile. He's also got really good leadership skills on the pitch. He's a really good communicator, which I like. That's a little bit of a dying breed in football and he's got that. He's impressed me but I want him to take real ownership of his own career. I think if he does that, he's got a real chance. I like him.' Lionel Messi could be set to depart the MLS in December. Messi linked to Saudi move Argentina legend Lionel Messi could be set to depart Inter Miami after just two years with the American club. The 38-year-old footballing icon's contract with the MLS outfit expire in December and, with no new deal yet agreed, several clubs are beginning to show interest in the player. Messi will continue with discussions over a new deal with Inter Miami, but it is now rumoured that Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli are ready to do 'whatever it takes' to sign him when his deal comes to an end at the turn of the year, according to journalist Ekrem Konur. L'Equipe also report that the Al Ahli have made official contact about a potential mammoth deal to bring him to Saudi Arabia, though Inter Miami are desperate for their star man to stay at the club as they prepare to enter new stadium next season. Both Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane are linked with departures from Rangers this summer. | SNS Group Rangers exits 'stalled' Rangers have turned down a new bid from AEK Athens for striker Cyril Dessers, according to transfer guru Sacha Tavolieri. The 31-year-old Nigerian has been linked with a move away from Ibrox throughout the summer, despite being the Scottish Premiership's top goal scorer last season. It is thought a bid of around £4million has been made for the forward, though the Gers are looking for a figure closer to £5m. As per the report, the forward is keen on completing the move, with Dessers believed to have already agreed personal terms. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dessers' strike partner Hamza Igamane's well-documented summer move to Lille has also hit a snag, with Tavolieri claiming there's 'a gap regarding the transfer fee that the new Scottish management is unwilling to accept', adding: 'The Moroccan has been clear — he wants to join Lille, with whom he already has an agreement.' Gustaf Lagerbielke has departed Celtic. | SNS Group Celtic confirm departure Celtic have announced that Swedish international centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke has completed a £2m move to Braga. The defender has become the Hoops the sixth outgoing of the summer, following the departures of Greg Taylor, Daniel Cummings, Scott Bain, Matthew Anderson and Maik Nawrocki. The 25-year-old had already travelled to Austria to link up with the Braga squad for their pre-season training camp after completing a medical yesterday, but took time to thank Celtic fans via social media following his two-season stay at Celtic Park. 'I want to thank you for the past two years,' said Lagerbielke. 'To all the players I had the privilege to get to know and share a pitch with, to the staff who have always been there and that I've learnt a lot from. An extra big thank you to all the supporters for always being there with the team and making this club so special. I wish you the best of luck for the future and that Glasgow continues to be green and white.' Elsewhere, Celtic youngster Jude Bonner is set to sign for Scottish Championship side Ayr United on a season-long loan deal, where he will link-up with former Hoops captain Scott Brown. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Djeidi Gassama is expected to join Rangers this summer. | PA Rangers deal 'imminent' Rangers head coach Russell Martin is closing in on his sixth signing of the summer after it emerged that Sheffield Wednesday winger Djeidi Gassama was 'on the brink' of completing a move to Ibrox. According to a report in the Sheffield Star, the 21-year-old is set to put paper on a four-year-deal with the Glasgow giants, with the two clubs believed to have agreed an undisclosed fee for the transfer of the player.
Scotsman
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Rangers deal ‘imminent', Celtic move confirmed, Ibrox exits stall over fee
The latest Scottish football transfer news and beyond on Wednesday morning, including the latest rumours from Rangers, Celtic, Falkirk and more. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Here is the latest Scottish football transfer news and gossip this Wednesday morning, including the latest rumours surrounding Rangers, Celtic, Falkirk and more. Dundee defender Luke Graham looks set to be handed a chance by new head coach Steven Pressley. Falkirk transfer blow Newly-promoted Premiership side Falkirk have been dealt a blow in their hopes of re-signing Dundee defender Luke Graham, who spent last season on loan at the club. The Dundee defender played 23 times for John McGlynn's side as they achieved back-to-back promotions, and there was believed to be an interest in bringing him back to the Falkirk Stadium this summer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, those hopes look to have been dashed by Dundee's new boss Steven Pressley, who is aiming to give him a shot in his first team after being impressed by the player in pre-season. 'He's a great size,' said Pressley. 'A great profile. He's also got really good leadership skills on the pitch. He's a really good communicator, which I like. That's a little bit of a dying breed in football and he's got that. He's impressed me but I want him to take real ownership of his own career. I think if he does that, he's got a real chance. I like him.' Lionel Messi could be set to depart the MLS in December. Messi linked to Saudi move Argentina legend Lionel Messi could be set to depart Inter Miami after just two years with the American club. The 38-year-old footballing icon's contract with the MLS outfit expire in December and, with no new deal yet agreed, several clubs are beginning to show interest in the player. Messi will continue with discussions over a new deal with Inter Miami, but it is now rumoured that Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli are ready to do 'whatever it takes' to sign him when his deal comes to an end at the turn of the year, according to journalist Ekrem Konur. L'Equipe also report that the Al Ahli have made official contact about a potential mammoth deal to bring him to Saudi Arabia, though Inter Miami are desperate for their star man to stay at the club as they prepare to enter new stadium next season. Both Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane are linked with departures from Rangers this summer. | SNS Group Rangers exits 'stalled' Rangers have turned down a new bid from AEK Athens for striker Cyril Dessers, according to transfer guru Sacha Tavolieri. The 31-year-old Nigerian has been linked with a move away from Ibrox throughout the summer, despite being the Scottish Premiership's top goal scorer last season. It is thought a bid of around £4million has been made for the forward, though the Gers are looking for a figure closer to £5m. As per the report, the forward is keen on completing the move, with Dessers believed to have already agreed personal terms. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dessers' strike partner Hamza Igamane's well-documented summer move to Lille has also hit a snag, with Tavolieri claiming there's 'a gap regarding the transfer fee that the new Scottish management is unwilling to accept', adding: 'The Moroccan has been clear — he wants to join Lille, with whom he already has an agreement.' Gustaf Lagerbielke has departed Celtic. | SNS Group Celtic confirm departure Celtic have announced that Swedish international centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke has completed a £2m move to Braga. The defender has become the Hoops the sixth outgoing of the summer, following the departures of Greg Taylor, Daniel Cummings, Scott Bain, Matthew Anderson and Maik Nawrocki. The 25-year-old had already travelled to Austria to link up with the Braga squad for their pre-season training camp after completing a medical yesterday, but took time to thank Celtic fans via social media following his two-season stay at Celtic Park. 'I want to thank you for the past two years,' said Lagerbielke. 'To all the players I had the privilege to get to know and share a pitch with, to the staff who have always been there and that I've learnt a lot from. An extra big thank you to all the supporters for always being there with the team and making this club so special. I wish you the best of luck for the future and that Glasgow continues to be green and white.' Elsewhere, Celtic youngster Jude Bonner is set to sign for Scottish Championship side Ayr United on a season-long loan deal, where he will link-up with former Hoops captain Scott Brown. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Djeidi Gassama is expected to join Rangers this summer. | PA Rangers deal 'imminent' Rangers head coach Russell Martin is closing in on his sixth signing of the summer after it emerged that Sheffield Wednesday winger Djeidi Gassama was 'on the brink' of completing a move to Ibrox. According to a report in the Sheffield Star, the 21-year-old is set to put paper on a four-year-deal with the Glasgow giants, with the two clubs believed to have agreed an undisclosed fee for the transfer of the player.
The Courier
01-05-2025
- Sport
- The Courier
SPFL D-Day for Dundee United, Dundee and St Johnstone loanees
A place in the Premiership on the line. Playoff football to be earned. SPFL status hanging by a thread. There is no shortage of drama on Friday and Saturday as the Championship, League One and League Two reach their conclusions – and loanees from Dundee United, Dundee and St Johnstone will be at the heart of the action. Courier Sport sets the scene below. Youngsters from both side of Tannadice Street could claim winners' medals on a nerve-shredding Friday finale in the Championship. Dundee prospect Luke Graham, 21, has enjoyed a splendid campaign with the Bairns, turning in a host of performances belying his age – particularly during the injury absences of Tom Lang and Coll Donaldson. He has played 22 games for Falkirk, spanning two stints on loan, and his displays earned him a Scotland U/21 debut against Ireland in March. However, Graham has been an unused substitute in Falkirk's last two fixtures – defeats against Raith Rovers and Partick Thistle – and will hope to see some game time for the visit of Hamilton. United winger Miller Thomson has started just one game since joining Falkirk in January and climbed from the bench a further seven times. His impact, if any, is likely to again come from the bench. Livingston approach their final game of the regular season level on 70 points with Falkirk. However, the Lions' inferior goal difference means they must better the Bairns' result against relegated (pending their appeal against a points deduction) Accies. Nevertheless, St Johnstone legend Stevie May is no stranger to upsetting the odds and lifting silverware. May has contributed nine goals in 41 games to the Livi cause this season, albeit he has struggled to cement a starting berth recently due to the sensational form of Robbie Muirhead. Based on his loan spell to date, it would be surprising to see Meshack called upon by David Martindale. The Nigerian winger is yet to start a game for Livi and his six substitute appearances have totalled 92 minutes. Nevertheless, he is an option available to the Lions. Rae, 24, endured a miserable first six months of his St Johnstone career after joining the club from Airdrie last summer. However, he has found form in the second tier, helping Raith Rovers to a NINE-game unbeaten run. Rae has kept seven clean sheets in his 14 games for the Kirkcaldy club. Raith are two points behind 4th place Partick Thistle going into Friday's finale. The Jags travel to title chasing Livingston. If Thistle draw in West Lothian, a four-goal win for Raith at Hampden would see Barry Robson's men leapfrog them. Charlie Dewar's loan with Alloa has been an unexpected triumph. Not unexpected due to any lack of ability; but this is his first ever taste of senior football, and he made the move to Clackmannanshire at the age of just 17. Yet, he has swiftly become a mainstay in Andy Graham's first-team, starting 11 games and helping the Wasps to just one defeat in their last six matches. That run of form has seen Alloa roar into the League One playoff places at the perfect time. They occupy fourth place, one point ahead of Stenhousemuir and with a superior goal difference. While Alloa travel to Kelty on the final day, the Warriors host relegated Dumbarton. Providing the Wasps hold their nerve, Dewar's campaign will extend to a maiden experience of promotion playoffs. A last-day survival shootout. Jim Weir's Loons boast a two-point lead over rock-bottom Bonnyrigg Rose in League Two. With a substantially superior goal difference, a draw will see Forfar avoid the dreaded playoff and the prospect of dropping out of the SPFL. Bonnyrigg travel to Stranraer praying for some last-day drama. Saints midfielder Alex Ferguson joined Forfar at the end of February and has made 10 appearances, scoring one goal. Also enjoying a formative scrap in the bottom tier, Dee defender Sweenie-Rowe has started seven times for the Loons.
BBC News
31-01-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Swansea keeping tabls on Dundee's Graham'
Swansea City are keeping close tabs on Dundee defender Luke Graham after receiving impressive feedback from the 20-year-old's first half of the season on loan to Falkirk. (Daily Record), externalTony Docherty is "relaxed" about the way Dundee's squad has shaped up, but the manager is not ruling out any more business and is unaware of any outgoings despite reported interest in midfielder Lyall Cameron and Jordan McGhee. (The Courier), externalRead Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.
