Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
D-day looms for Dee target El Bakhtaoui
BLACKBURN Rovers are set t o make a decision on whether to offer Dundee target Faissal El Bakhtaoui a deal.
Dark Blues boss Paul Hartley has placed the frontman at the very top of his hitlist, as he looks to find a replacement for recently departed Kane Hemmings.
But any move for the former Dunfermline man hinges on whether Rovers boss Owen Coyle will deem his two-week trial at Ewood Park successful enough to hand him a permanent contract with the English Championship outfit.
Having left the Pars at the end of last season, where he netted a 30 ti mes, El Bakhtaoui was offered the chance to shine by Coyle, also credited with an interest in Greg Stewart this summer.
While it’s understood that he has been impressive on the training field in the last fortnight, little of that has been seen on the park, with the Frenchman playing only a bit part in Rovers’ summer to date.
In fact, he was an unused sub for Blackburn’s first team on Saturday as they drew 1-1 with Spanish side Girona. player and club broke down over his astronomic wage demands.
It’s understood the player has since lowered his expectations in terms of cash, which has not only alerted Dundee, but also a number of other top division clubs keen to give him his chance to shine in the Scottish top flight.
Former club Dunfermline have offered El Bakhtaoui a chance to return to East End Park, with the Pars said to have offered a wage in the region of £1,200 per week.
But following a falling out with manager Allan Johnston towards the back end of last season, it’s believed the striker is keen to try his hand elsewhere.
But with Coyle having first choice on the French-Moroccan and yet to make his mind up, Dundee must play the waiting game.
The Tele understands Coyle will come to a decision in the next 24 hours.