Dundee eye up double swoop

Dundee are lining up a double deal from Hibernian as James Mcpake bids to bolster his Dens Park squad.

A return to the Dark Blues could be on for mercurial playmaker Scott Allan, after he spent six months on loan in the 201718 season.

Allan has been a bit-part player at Easter Road this term, though he did start Shaun Maloney’s first match against Aberdeen.

Dens boss James Mcpake has stated his side “need to be better at the top end of the pitch”.

And he’s keen to land the creative talents of Allan to provide his side with extra firepower.

With a striker also high on the wishlist for Mcpake, Allan could be joined at Dens Park by frontman Christian Doidge.

It’s understood Dundee are seeking a deal for the Welsh striker, who is keen to play first-team football.

The 29-year-old hasn’t started a match for the Hibees since August, with injury disrupting his season.

Lately, Doidge has been used as a late sub at Easter Road with his last three appearances totalling just 24 minutes on the pitch.

He has netted twice this term with his last coming on August 8 against Ross County.

In two-and-a-half seasons at Easter Road, Doidge has scored 21 Premiership goals.

Meanwhile, Leigh Griffiths is set to be released by Celtic, reports suggest.

The 31-year-old has been the centre of attention over the past fortnight after Dundee moved to end his loan at Dens Park early.

The Dark Blues activated a break clause to do so but the Daily Record have reported the Parkhead side have themselves triggered a clause to release Griffiths from his Celtic contract this month.

The Scotland striker continues to train with James Mcpake’s side.

His loan continues to the end of the month and, injury-permitting, Griffiths* will be part of the matchday squad to face Livingston tomorrow.

Should he be released by the Hoops, however, his stay at Dundee could be extended.

Griffiths will be a free agent and it’s understood the Dens Park club would be interested in signing him on a permanent deal.

In the process, that would free up the possibility of bringing in another Celt on loan, with a move for defender Osaze Urhoghide mooted this past week. That deal has “stalled”, however.

Griffiths’ two goals this term brought his tally for Dundee over two spells to 35 strikes in 76 appearances.

TARGETS ACQUIRED: Dundee are looking to bring in Scott Allan, left, and Christian Doidge from Hibernian.