Pressley praises Dundee owners for not selling Graham

Steven Pressley has praised Dundee's owners for rejecting "some very enticing offers" and standing firm on their valuation of Luke Graham.

Portsmouth failed in their attempts to sign the 21-year-old centre-back, who has made 27 appearances this season.

Pressley said: "From my own experiences as a head coach, January isn't only an opportunity to bring in some players, it can derail you in many ways with your best players moving on.

"There's no doubt that if a significant offer had come in then the club would have had to think about it.

"But credit to our owners, because we received some very enticing offers. But we were strong in that respect and we were focused that we would not sell unless the true valuation was met.

"I was delighted to see him in the building. I said to him that everyone was telling me he was on a flight down to Portsmouth, which I knew was untrue.

"I am really, really pleased because his performances have been of such a high level."

Pressley expects further interest in the Scotland under-21 international, whose contract expires at the end of next season.

"If he continues progressing the way that he has I think there will be a lot of interest in him," Pressley said.

"I worked with a young Jarrad Branthwaite at Carlisle who went on to represent England and I see so many similarities between himself and Luke. I think we've got a tremendous young player on our hands."

Pressley's squad was strengthened on deadline day with the arrival of Dutch defender Lewis Montsma from Lincoln and Birmingham winger Scott Wright on loan.

Dundee also added 18-year-old forward Aldahir Valenzuela on loan from Monterrey as part of their link-up with the Mexican club.

Wright has only just returned from a year out with a knee injury in the past two weeks but will add a goal threat Pressley knows his side need.

No Dundee player has scored more than two Premiership goals this season and Pressley's top scorer is defender Clark Robertson, who has four in all competitions.

Pressley, whose side host Motherwell on Wednesday, said: "If you look through our group, we have made a lot of progress over the season, but if you look at the stats and history it would suggest that we lack goals.

"Simon Murray is the only player within the group with a history of scoring goals. It's a big burden for one to carry.

"Scott is a player we think can really impact that area. He is a player with a history of scoring goals. He is a player that can fill all three positions along the front line.

"With our current injuries to Joe Westley and Ash Hay, we really only have one fit striker. So Scott gives us the back-up there."