The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Dark Blues out to capture Canadian
Dundee are chasing the signature of Canadian international Jay Chapman. The 28-year-old midfielder is a free agent after leaving Inter Miami in November.
It is understood Chapman is looking for a move to the UK and the Dark Blues are keen to bring him to Dens Park this month.
The attacking midfielder played 25 times last season for Phil Neville’s Miami side, the American club owned by David Beckham.
That was alongside the likes of former Real Madrid and Argentina star Gonzalo Higuain, EX-PSG and France man Blaise Matuidi, former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs and ex-celtic and St Mirren man Lewis Morgan.
Chapman has played three times for Canada, scoring on his debut against Bermuda.
His last cap came in 2020 in a friendly win over Barbados, with Chapman laying on two goals in a 4-1 victory.
After being signed for $100,000 from Toronto FC, the midfielder went on to play 33 times for Inter Miami before being released in November.
Chapman’s father is English, meaning any work permit issues are avoided should Dundee get a deal done.
Meanwhile, the Dark Blues have two more positive Covid cases, manager James Mcpake has revealed.
The Dark Blues had their plans for the Boxing Day trip to Aberdeen thrown into chaos after one player tested positive on the morning of the game.
That saw five further players move into isolation as close contacts and saw Mcpake’s men lose out 2-1 with a severely understrength side.
And, despite taking an immediate break as the Premiership’s winter shutdown was brought forward, the playing squad is yet to shake off the virus.
With 11 days until their next fixture at Livingston on January 18, however, the affected players are not expected to miss any matches.
“The player that tested positive is back, all the players missing from the Aberdeen game are back in training,” Mcpake said.
“But we have two at the minute who have picked it up in the aftermath of that.
“They will be back for the Livingston game but we are testing every day, hoping everyone comes back OK.”
The club are deciding today whether to keep Leigh Griffiths on loan from Celtic until the end of the season (see right).
Fellow striker Jason Cummings, meanwhile, is expected to leave Dundee after a breach of club discipline in December. The former Scotland international has been linked with a move to Australia, with Central Coast Mariners interested in his services.
However, Mcpake says there has been no approach for the 26-year-old as he continues to train with the Dark Blues.
“I read the report and that’s genuinely all I know about it,” the Dens boss replied when asked about Cummings.
“He’s training and trained well. He’s still a Dundee player.”
Former Dundee United and Dunfermline defender Paul Watson also joined Dundee for training this week as he looks for a new club.
The 31-year-old is a free agent after leaving the Pars in October following a disciplinary issue.
Watson has played his entire career in the lower leagues but could get his chance in the top flight to help bolster Dundee’s defensive options.
Mcpake, though, would not be drawn on the likelihood of a contract being offered.
He said: “I wouldn’t say he is in on trial. He’s an experienced player who is in training with us.”
Asked if he was considering adding Watson to his squad, the Dens boss replied: “He’s just in training, like we’ve had loads in before.
“He’s done well last couple of days.” in the