The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Dark Blues boss still working on targets
Hartley admits defeat in Mallan pursuit
Dundee boss Paul Hartley is hoping for a positive response from one signing target, Tom Hateley – but acknowledged defeat in his pursuit of St Mirren’s Stevie Mallan.
Former Motherwell defender Hateley is being courted by clubs including Hibs and Partick after leaving Polish side Slask Wroclaw.
The Dens manager has made him an offer and awaits his reply.
While keen to also add Mallan, the Buddies’ valuation of the midfielder is too steep for the Dark Blues, who have had successive bids rejected.
Hartley said: “We have made him (Hateley) an offer and we are waiting for him to get back to us.
“I think he has a couple of other offers and has spoken to a few clubs. But we have made him an offer and would like to hear back as soon as possible. It might happen, or it might not happen – we’ll wait and see.
Dundee boss Paul Hartley is hoping for a positive response from one signing target, Tom Hateley, but acknowledged defeat in his pursuit of St Mirren’s Stevie Mallan.
Former Motherwell defender Hateley is also being courted by clubs including Hibs and Partick after leaving Polish side Slask Wroclaw.
The Dens manager has made him an offer and awaits his reply.
While keen to also add Mallan, the Buddies’ valuation of the midfielder is too steep for the Dark Blues, who have had successive bids rejected.
Hartley said: “We have made him (Hateley) an offer and we are waiting for him to get back to us.
“I think he has a couple of other offers and has spoken to a few clubs. But we have made him an offer and would like to hear back as soon as possible.
“It might happen, or it might not happen. We’ll wait and see.
“He knows this league and has also played at a good level in Poland over the last couple of years.
“He is one we would like to bring in, but there are a few chasing his signature.”
When asked about Mallan, Hartley replied: “No, I can’t see that happening. We are miles apart in terms of what they want and what we would pay. So I can’t see anything happening on that one.”
Hartley is still working hard behind the scenes to bring an experienced striker in before the transfer window shuts on Wednesday, but revealed he will not be pursuing his interest in Lynel Kitambala.
The 27-year-old former Auxerre, St Etienne and Levski Sofia frontman played as a trialist for the Dark Blues’ under-20s on Tuesday night against Aberdeen but did not do enough to win a contract.
Hartley said: “We watched Kitambala in the game the other night but we will not be doing anything on that.
“Lynel was recommended to us but he is well off it in terms of fitness, so we will not be moving on that one.
“But I would like to think we will get something done by Wednesday.
“It is difficult, but we need an experienced striker in and a full-back.
“We need a few bodies in and we have been thrown loads of names, but a lot of them are really young. We need more experience.”
Meanwhile, Hartley has been busy preparing his squad for tomorrow’s visit to Motherwell and will welcome back two players from injury, while new signing Kevin Gomis is also in his plans.
However, the manager revealed two others are to go for scans on injuries.
He said: “Craig Wighton is still suffering and needs a scan on his knee. It is nothing bad but he is just feeling it a bit.
“James Vincent also needs a scan on his knee as he has a bit of fluid, so he will be out.
“However, Michael Duffy and Paul McGowan will be OK, while Kevin Gomis will be in the travelling party.”
Hartley is looking for a big response from his players at Fir Park following last Friday night’s disappointing draw at Dens with Hamilton.
He said: “It is a tough game for us. We would like to get a positive result before the break.
“But they have some good players there and we expect another difficult game.
“We were disappointed last Friday, especially in the second half, so we have to be better on the ball.
“The players admitted that themselves and they have trained really well this week.
“But we have to be better in possession of the ball.
“We had a good result away from home at Ross County, so hopefully we can stick to our game-plan and have another positive result at Motherwell.”
PAUL HARTLEY It is difficult, butwe need an experienced striker in and a full-back.