Mcpake: Dundee have been priced out of move for Hearts attacker Wighton

Dundee have been priced out of a move to bring attacker Craig Wighton back to the club from Hearts.

Dens Park was a possible destination for the out-of-favour attacker, who is training with the Hearts reserves after being made available for transfer by new boss Daniel Stendel.

Dens Park boss James

Mcpake refused to rule out a move for the 22-year-old earlier this month.

He said at the time: “He got put to us at the start of the season. He’s one we’re aware of, and one we know very well but he’s a Hearts player at the minute.

“I know his character and his talent; I loved working with Wighty when he was here.”

However, the Championship side will now turn their attention to other attackers, having been linked with Ayr United’s Alan Forrest, after deciding they were unabletomeetthegorgieside’s financial demands.

Speaking to The Courier, Mcpake confirmed interest in Forrest while admitting a deal for Wighton was no longer likely.

“We have been priced out of making a move for Craig Wighton. Hearts’ demands were too high for us. Alan Forrest will have a load of options but he is definitely a player I like.”

One player who could still end up at Dundee is former Hearts midfielder Ross Callachan.

The St Johnstone player has been linked with a move to Dens Park after falling out of favour at Mcdiarmid Park.

He has not featured in a matchday squad since the 4-0 home defeat by Rangers in September.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Colin Doyle has been told he is free to leave Hearts as Stendel continues his cull of players.

The four-cap Republic of Ireland international, who joined Hearts from Bradford City in 2018, has made 12 appearances in maroon including two this season, but is understood to have been told he can look for a new club.