McCann makes move for French keeper Malherbe

dundee: Ex-Reims stopper joins Dark Blues as Parish back-up

French goalkeeper Jeremy Malherbe has signed for Dundee until the end of the season.

The 26-year-old has been a free agent since November and has spent much of the time since then at Dens Park as a trialist.

With Scott Bain now on loan at Hibs, manager Neil McCann needed back-up for Elliott Parish.

Malherbe’s previous clubs include Dinamo Bres of Belarus, Roeselare in the Belgian second division and Reims, Gap and Grenoble in France.

Meanwhile, Dundee are in talks with Shrewsbury about extending striker A-Jay Leith-Smith’s loan deal until the end of the season.

The 27-year-old swapped New Meadow for Dens at the start of the season and has made a positive contribution as McCann’s side recently clawed themselves off bottom spot.

He netted his fifth goal of the campaign against St Johnstone in their last game before the split and also grabbed an assist in the 2-0 Perth win.

The former Crewe, Yeovil and Port Vale frontman is due to return to Shrewsbury at the end of this month but the Dark Blues are now hoping to agree a deal allowing him to see out the season in Scotland.

Shrewsbury chief executive Brian Caldwell said: “There’s has been discussions taking place between the two clubs and A-Jay’s representatives about potentially extending his loan to the end of the season.

“From A-Jay’s point of view, we can see why it would be beneficial to him as he has started the last four games for Dundee and managed a goal and an assist in his last game before the winter break.

“Dundee seem keen to keep him so it’s in the interest of all three parties to get this resolved.”

Meanwhile Bain made his bow for Neil Lennon’s men in a 0-0 draw with Eredivisie side Excelsior.

The low-key clash – played behind closed doors at Hibs’ Algarve base – was notable for the former Aberdeen and Alloa keeper playing the full match between the sticks for the first time since joining on loan from Neil McCann’s side.

Hibs face another Dutch side, Willem II, on Friday as they continue preparations for the second half of the campaign and their return to competitive action in the Scottish Cup against Edinburgh derby rivals Hearts a week on Sunday.