Dundee boss Neil McCann insists his summer signings have been made to strengthen his squad, not replace departing stars.
The signing of midfielders Kharl Madianga and Elton Ngwatala have, in particular, fuelled speculation Glen Kamara would be moving on in a big-money deal some time before the season gets under way.
The Finnish international has been interesting a string of clubs, with Swansea City and Rangers credited with an interest late last term.
Neil expects such talk to continue between now and the end of the transfer window in August but he’s both relaxed about it and working hard to hang on to the likes of Kamara and defender Steven Caulker, another player who’s been attracting attention from elsewhere.
“Glen had a super season, so it’s only natural that people will jump to conclusions. But the players we have added are to complement Glen, not replace him,” he said.
“I want Glen, Steven Caulker and the rest all here for this season.”
What Neil believes he done in bringing in Madianga and Ngwatala, as well as Nathan Ralph, Jack Hamilton and striker Jean Mendy, is add depth to his squad.
“The midfield is an important area of your side so I’m happy to have brought them in.
“We watched Elton a lot and I wanted a left-footed player in to bring balance to the team. Kharl was one I knew I would sign after watching him for 20 minutes. He moved around the pitch well and he’s a really good footballer.”
That pair, along with full-back Nathan Ralph, are stepping up a level by coming to the Premiership and Neil believes they will make the most of their opportunity.
“I like to think Dundee have given boys a chance. I look at some of our signings and we’ve given boys an opportunity to come in and express themselves on a good stage,” he added.
“I think the exposure is going to go up with Steven Gerrard coming in at Rangers and our league is stronger this year.
“It gives these boys a chance to come and say ‘right I’m stepping up here and my game is stepping up’.
“I’ve seen enough of these boys to bring them here. Now, I am going to try to improve them and, hopefully, they can improve us.”
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