Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Dee contract talks stall for Dens star
CONTRACT talks between midfielder Mark O’Hara and Dundee have stalled as the club’s Premiership status remains in the balance.
The former Kilmarnock defender has been a regular starter for the Dark Blues this season but his current deal expires at the end of the campaign.
Talks have been ongoing with the club and the player’s representatives since January, however, an agreement is yet to be made.
The Tele understands the player is happy to stay at Dens but is considering his options with Dundee still involved in a relegation battle.
O’Hara has knocked in six goals this season with four of those in a five-game spell in the winter.
That early-season goalscoring form brought interest from Premiership rivals Motherwell in the mid-season window and that’s still likely to be the case.
His physical attributes, ability to score from midfield and versatility will make him a desirable prospect for many teams on a free transfer.
The 22-year-old is one of a number of Dundee players out of contract this summer.
Certain to leave will be Scott Bain, who’s on loan at Celtic and has expressed a desire to stay there beyond this season, and defender Kosta Gadzhalov, who hasn’t featured at all this campaign and is out injured until the summer.
Nicky Low, currently on loan again at Derry City, has his deal come to an end this summer, too.
Also potentially exiting Dens are left-backs Kevin Holt and Jon Aurtenetxe and centre-half Julen Etxabeguren while loan players A-Jay Leitch-Smith and Simon Murray will return to Shrewsbury and Hibs respectively.
Youngsters Calum Ferrie, Jordan Piggott and Matty Henvey are also out of contract along with goalie Jeremy Malherbe, who is yet to make his debut for the club.
Meanwhile, Dundee unveil their new home strip for next season tonight in a special kit launch.
The shirts have already been on sale for pre-order from the club website with the first 50 junior shirts including an invite to tonight’s event. General sale begins tomorrow. FORMER Deefiant striker Sean Higgins is to retire at the age of 33.
Higgins scored five goals in 34 appearances for relegated League One side Albion Rovers this season.
He also won the Challenge Cup with Dundee.