Dundee boss James McPake has confirmed talks are ongoing over signing Leigh Griffiths on a permanent basis after his loan spell officially came to an end.
The former Celtic striker was released by the Parkhead side ahead of the transfer window ending and, after spending the first part of the season on loan at Dens Park, is now a free agent.
However, he was in attendance for last night’s Dundee derby and McPake is eager to land Griffiths after he left Celtic.
“Officially Leigh’s time ended [yesterday] at the club,” McPake said.
“There are talks ongoing and how they pan out we’ll have to wait and see.”
Speaking after the 0-0 draw between the sides that saw Dundee slip back to the foot of the Premiership table, McPake felt his players had done enough to merit the three points, with Paul McMullan singled out for praise.
With St Johnstone now above Dundee on goal difference, McPake saw positives as the Dee secured a third consecutive clean sheet.
“We were very wasteful at times, but it’s hard to criticise them. McMullan was outstanding and he’s putting chances on a plate, but we need to get it right at the top end of the pitch.
“We had to use the break to get us defensively sound and that’s three clean sheets in a row which was a priority because we were conceding too many chances.
“We were that wee bit better and, with the chances we created, we should have won.”
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