Source: The Evening Telegraph
Jim McAlister, Gary Irvine and Stephen McGinn could be set to stay at Dundee.
The Tele understands negotiations between the trio and the Dark Blues have begun this week about getting them signed up beyond the end of the month. It had been widely expected that the three, along with Kyle Letheren, Kostadin Gadzhalov and Martin Boyle, were set to walk when their Dens deals come to an end this month.
But it’s believed manager Paul Hartley is keen to keep them all on board, with one-year extensions thought to be on the table. As revealed in the Tele this week, a number of Premiership outfits, including Kilmarnock, as well as a host of top end Championship clubs, have been casting their eye over McAlister.
As a result the 29-year-old midfielder, who has made more than 150 appearances for the Dark Blues, is not expected to be short of options. Full-back Irvine has expressed his desire to stay at the club, but given his consistent performances this campaign, probably his best year at Dens, he may also not be short of admirers.
McGinn’s situation is slightly different though. The former Sheffield United and Watford man has always been coy when asked about where his future may lie, even though Paul is desperate to get him tied down on a deal.
The midfielder has stated he’s delighted with the opportunity handed to him by the gaffer, as well as the fact he’s content at a club who want him to stay. But having done so well in the English Championship at Vicarage Road before injury as good as brought his career south of the border to an end, he’s been on the record as saying he’s keen to finish the business he started, if the chance arises.
Things seem a little more straight forward in terms of two of the other out-of-contract players.
Bulgarian Gadzhalov, again set to start at centre-half at Dundee United on Sunday, is expected to leave, so too is No 2 goalkeeper Letheren, who will link up with Chris Coleman’s Wales squad this summer.
That just leaves Hibernian loanee Martin Boyle. The wide man has enjoyed a successful spell at Easter Road in recent weeks but is not expected to be offered terms. Dundee will be due compensation should he secure a move.