Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Faissal back on Dark Blues radar
DUNDEE are set to renew their interest in Faissal El Bakhtaoui — if the former Dunfermline hit man is no longer on t he radar of Blackburn Rovers.
The Dark Blues are in the market for a striker again after top scorer last term Kane Hemmings’ sudden departure for Oxford United on Wednesday night.
That move sparked anger among suppor ters but Dundee have insisted the sale for a reported £250,000 was triggered by a clause in the Englishman’s contract and not to raise cash.
They are determined to replace Hemmings and that makes El Bakhtaoui an obvious choice.
The 23-year-old scored 30 goals in 41 appearances last season but, at the end of that promotion-winning campaign, i ndicated he would be leaving East End Park.
That saw talks with Dundee in May but manager Pa u l H a r t l ey w a s n o t prepared to meet the French Moroccan’s wage demands. After signing Dutchman Yordi Teijsse, he declared himself happy with his striking options.
With Hemmings gone that’s changed, meaning a move for El-Bakhtaoui is back on the cards.
The one stumbling block is the player’s recent trial at Blackburn, though so far he’s not signed for the English outfit.
Dundee are still likely to face a battle to keep Greg Stewar t at Dens Park. Birmingham City are showing serious interest and rumours of attention from Rangers have resurfaced.