The real reason why Luke Graham rejected Rangers emerges as £2m Dundee FC exit nears

Luke Graham has snubbed a move to Rangers after agreeing to leave Dundee FC this week.

The centre-back has been on the Gers' wishlist ever since Danny Rohl was in charge, as the Ibrox club tried to sign him in January.

The Bears had been planning to make a move for the defender this summer, and that was the case despite a change in manager.

Derek McInnes is keen to add as many homegrown talents as possible, and Graham would've been another Scot to walk through the doors at Auchenhowie this summer.

The 22-year-old had an impressive season under Steven Pressley, who admitted that he didn't know why either the Light Blues or Celtic didn't make an offer to sign the player earlier.

Now, Graham appears to have chosen a move to Stoke City over Rangers, despite being in talks with Ibrox figures.

Luke Graham's priority revealed after Rangers snub

Rangers want to sign another new centre-back at the minimum this summer, with the Bears currently light in the position.

Derek Cornelius and Nasser Djiga have both returned to their respective parent clubs after a stint at Ibrox.

The Bears announced the signing of Ben Godfrey earlier this week, but it is expected that they will try to sign another central defender.

According to the Daily Record, Rangers were interested in signing Graham and had held talks with his representatives.

However, the defender made it clear to Ibrox chiefs that his priority was to move to England.

Graham is now set to travel to Stoke this Wednesday to put pen to paper over a three-year deal after Dundee FC agreed to his £2m sale.

Now, there is a reason for Rangers to get back in the market for a new centre-half, and it involves Emmanuel Fernandez.

The latest on Emmanuel Fernandez's future

Fernandez enjoyed a fruitful first season at Ibrox on an individual level, emerging as a successful summer signing.

The Nigerian proved his ability at both ends of the pitch and is now wanted by multiple sides in Europe.

As per French outlet Ouest-France, Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennais have Fernandez on a three-man shortlist of centre-back options this summer.

If the former Peterborough United star were to leave, his old club would be due some of the profits that Rangers would be bound to receive after including a sell-on clause in his contract 12 months ago.