Rangers tracking Dundee defender ahead of summer transfer window

Manny Fernandez is in the first year of a long-term deal at Ibrox. However, the Nigerian international is attracting attention from the top five leagues after an impressive debut campaign. Although Rangers would like to keep Fernandez for more than one season in an ideal world, there is recognition that their resolve will likely be tested with a significant offer.

Meanwhile, Nasser Djiga will return to Wolves upon the expiry of his loan deal. It remains to be seen where the Burkina Faso international’s future lies, with Wolves on course to be relegated to the Championship.

Danny Rohl’s side are not expected to exercise their option-to-buy Marsaille centre-back Derek Cornelius. Meanwhile, John Souttar recently signed a one-year contract extension, with the club holding the option to extend that up until 2028.

Luke Graham (left) and Rangers' Thelo Aasgaard battle for the ball (Image: Andrew Milligan)

And the Rangers Review understands that Graham, a 22-year-old defender who has enjoyed a breakthrough year at Dundee, is being considered as an option internally at Ibrox. Rangers have watched the left-sided centre-back on several occasions but will face competition for the Scotland Under-21 international if they choose to make a move.

Dundee boss Stephen Pressley explained last week that the club will “probably” part ways with the academy graduate this summer. It’s understood that several outfits, including a handful in the top five leagues, are exploring an offer for Graham, who is expected to move early in the summer.

Rangers signed Lyall Cameron from Dundee last summer and remain committed to exploring options in the Scottish market.

Asked about his future during the recent international break, Graham said: "I just block all of that out. I don't really want anything to do with that side of things when I am in mid-season with Dundee. All I will be doing is just ensuring I focus on my own game.

"For me personally, it's been an amazing season. The manager has put a lot of trust in me this season and I have tried to repay him for that. It's nice to get some recognition from the manager, but all I can really do is just focus on myself and keep doing as well as I can for the team."

What type of player is Luke Graham - and would he fit at Rangers

After spending the majority of last season on loan at Falkirk as they earned promotion to the top flight, Graham has been an ever-present for Pressley’s Dundee this season, missing just one game and completing 90 minutes in all but two others.

Luke Graham has been an ever-present for Dundee this season (Image: StatsBomb)

Having adapted quickly to life in the Scottish Premiership, Graham presents as a player with high potential and the technical abilities to play at a high level.

A tall centre-back who’s comfortable stepping forward from the back and left-footed, Graham has clearly benefitted from working with Pressley, a former centre-back and well-regarded coach who previously worked as head of individual development at Brentford.

Dundee have transitioned into a more ball-dominant team this season, with Graham a key cornerstone of their approach.

As seen below, during a narrow defeat against Celtic on Sunday, Graham’s standout attribute is his comfort when inviting the press in possession. Happy to take the ball under pressure, in scenarios like the following, opens up passing options ahead of the ball.

You’ll see Graham consistently make these forward-stepping actions against the flow of an opponent’s press. Speaking to his comfort in possession, the young defender is happy setting the tempo in possession with attributes that could scale up to a high-possession team.

Graham is happy playing out under pressure (Image: Wyscout)

Allowing his side to beat the press and play forward (Image: StatsBomb)

With the ability to wrap passes through the centre of the pitch and carry forward when necessary, there is a variety to his game.

Graham likes to play these cutting passes through the pitch (Image: Wyscout)

Allowing his teammates to receive in central areas (Image: Wyscout)

As covered previously by the Rangers Review, the club have placed a heavy emphasis on physicality since last summer, particularly evident in the January window, and while Graham would provide height, standing around 6' 3, he retains an appealing physical profile - not just in the air, but on the ground.

Comfortable locking onto opponents and stepping into midfield, the Scotland youth international, who has also played at left-back in the past, has a relatively low centre of gravity, which allows him to be an effective duel winner, happy being dragged into midfield or out wide.

Graham is happy to move forward and engage in midfield (Image: Wyscout)

With the strength, and agility, to close down opponents quickly (Image: Wyscout)

And often come out with the ball (Image: Wyscout)