Dundee are bracing themselves for an offer from England which would prise Leigh Griffiths away from the club. The striker, who has scored 10 goals this season and has netted 51 times in 107 career appearances, is in demand and has previously attracted interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Norwich City.

STV understands the Dens Park club, who are in administration, have already rejected offers for the former Livingston youngster. But a bid which meets their valuation, which is believed to be in excess of £100,000, is now anticipated.

St Johnstone had been poised to pick the 20-year-old up on a free in October, with Griffiths expected to be part of a cull of players when administrator Bryan Jackson reduced the wage bill upon his appointment to the club.

The Perth side are reported to have returned with an offer for the player, only to be rebuffed. SPL rivals St Mirren have also been credited with making a bid, which was also rejected.

Griffiths was sent off as Dundee slumped to a disappointing 4-0 defeat in the Scottish Cup against Motherwell on Sunday. But his performances in the First Division have long attracted attention, both during his time at Dens and through his spell at Livingston.

Dundee paid £125,000 to sign the player from the West Lothian club back in June 2009. But, with their financial woes well documented, manager Barry Smith has been resigned to losing the striker if the price is right.


“As a manager I want Leigh to stay here but I also realise the predicament the club is in,” Smith told the Courier at the end of December.

“If he is to be sold in the transfer window, the later the better from my own point of view. But it will all depend on what the administrator says.

“Leigh really has been tremendous for us. He hasn't let all the speculation affect him at all.

“In fact, he's created interest in himself through his own performances.

“I've spoken to him and I know he's happy to stay at Dundee. It's just a case of waiting to see what happens.”