Rangers 'far down the line' in race for Sheffield United, Portsmouth, Oxford United and QPR-linked defender
Rangers are reportedly far down the line in their efforts to sign Sheffield United-linked Dundee defender Luke Graham.
The 22-year-old has had to bide his time but is now flourishing north of the border. After five loan moves away from Dundee, the centre-back has established himself in the first team.
His progress has fuelled transfer speculation and Sheffield United are among the clubs to have been linked this season.
Portsmouth, Queens Park Rangers and Oxford United have also been credited with interest, although it appears Graham may be staying in Scotland.
Luke Graham latest
According to the Daily Record, Rangers are far down the line with a deal for the Scotland Under-21s international.
Record Sport’s Keith Jackson said: “I think they are quite far down the line with Luke Graham. I think he's been identified for a number of weeks now. Interestingly, I believe that Andrew Cavenagh (chairman) is quite central to some of the discussions.
"You would have expected him to delegate and let the minions handle that stuff but I think he has taken personal interest in what the recruitment department are looking at this summer.
"I expect them to put a bid in for him. It wouldn't surprise me if they did a deal with Dundee to buy him and the loan him back next season so he can get another year of Premiership experience. That would be better for his development than sitting struggling to get minutes at Ibrox."
Sheffield United’s summer ahead
Sheffield United’s squad will need plenty of work in the summer, when the curtain comes down on a thoroughly underwhelming 2025/26 season.
The Blades will not have help from parachute payments, therefore will need to be shrewd with how they spend what is available.
Graham now appears to be beyond Sheffield United’s reach and the appeal of joining a juggernaut of Scottish football is hard to dispute.