DUNDEE have snapped up former West Brom striker Adil Nabi on a short-term deal – but have been warned off a move for Ayr United top scorer Lawrence Shankland.
Nabi has been with the Dark Blues through their pre-season preparations, scoring in a friendly against Farense during the club’s training camp in the Algarve last month.
The 24-year-old, a free agent after leaving Peterborough United in the summer, has now penned a six-month agreement as he bids to prove himself worthy of a longer contract in Neil McCann’s new-look squad.
Nabi said on Twitter: “I’m happy to sign and I’m looking forward to the new season.”
However, after reports linked Dundee with a move for Shankland, Ayr manager Ian McCall has insisted it would take a ‘significant transfer fee’ to prise the 22-year-old away from Somerset Park.
Shankland struck 29 times in 33 games for Ayr last season after dropping down to the League One side when he left Aberdeen last summer.
Despite attracting interest from elsewhere with his blistering form, the former Scotland under-21 internationalist signed a new deal with the Honest Men during the close-season and has already netted seven times – including two hat-tricks – in four Betfred Cup matches.
McCall has revealed that clubs from both sides of the border have approached Ayr about a possible swoop for the marksman but insists Ayr will not let him go on the cheap amidst claims the club are seeking £250,000.
EXTREMELY RELUCTANT
McCall said in a statement: “There have been enquiries over the last few weeks about a number of our players, including Lawrence Shankland.
“All of these players are under contract to Ayr United Football Club.
“It would be wrong of me to mention clubs’ names. However, we have had a number of enquiries about Lawrence from north and south of the border.
“All of these clubs have been informed that we would be extremely reluctant sellers and that it would take a significant transfer fee, with a number of add-ons, for us even to consider it.
“As everyone can see by his form, Lawrence is fully committed to Ayr United and thoroughly enjoying his football.
“Personally, I am sure that he will go on to play at the top level, but at this minute he is very much an Ayr United player.”
