Rangers Continue To Monitor This Highly-rated Dundee Defender: Why They Must Get The Deal Done | OneFootball

If a recent report from SunSport is believed to be true, Rangers have not given up on their winter target, Luke Graham. They continue to scout the Dundee defender, with technical director Dan Prudy personally present at Dens Park on Saturday afternoon to monitor him closely in their 2-2 draw with Livingston.

The 22-year-old Scotsman began his youth stint with St Johnstone but left for the Dee due to a rift with the coaches. Respective loan stints in the lower leagues with Lochee United, Albion Rovers and Montrose helped him flourish in senior football, and his towering presence in the heart of the backline was key to Falkirk’s promotion to the top flight last season.

Why It Won’t Be A Straightforward Deal For Rangers

Although he made five first-team appearances before being loaned to The Bairns in the Championship, new boss Steven Pressley handed him a regular role in the Dundee defence at the start of the 2025-26 campaign. A £1m bid from Portsmouth was rejected last month, but they might struggle to keep hold of their prized asset in the summer.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 25: Tochi Chukwuani of Rangers scores the opening goal, only for VAR to rule it out during the Premier League match between Rangers and Dundee at Ibrox Stadium on January 25, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Besides Rangers, their bitter rivals Celtic, as well as Aberdeen and Queens Park Rangers, are also in the mix for the youngster. However, the Light Blues are so far leading the race, having maintained their interest beyond the January window.

Why They Need Him In The Defensive Third

The Gers bolstered their defensive third in the summer by snapping up Emmanuel Fernandez, Derek Cornelius and Nasser Djiga. Although Fernandez has been a revelation in deep defence, Djiga and Cornelius have failed to live up to the expectations due to form and fitness reasons. The on-loan central defensive duo might return to Wolves and Marseille, respectively, unless they make a significant contribution over the next few months.

John Souttar has been deployed alongside Fernandez as the first-choice pair, but they could require reinforcements, with Clinton Nsiala also seeming not to be in Danny Rohl’s plans. The young centre-back has been loaned out to Westerlo for the rest of the season, and the Belgian top-flight outfit have an option to buy him permanently in the summer. Despite a breakthrough 2022-23 campaign, youth graduate Leon King has largely been overlooked, which eventually led to his season-long loan move to Ayr United in the Championship.

Graham, having impressed with his aerial and physical presence, as well as passing and interception traits, is ready to make the next career step. He would initially feature as the understudy to Souttar and Fernandez, before claiming a regular role in due time. Dundee have produced top talents over the years, and their academy prodigy could be the next high-profile exit if he continues to flourish in Scottish football.