Dundee boss Paul Hartley excited by signing of Faissal El Bakhtaoui

Published 4th Aug 2016

Dundee manager Paul Hartley admits the arrival of Faissal El Bakhtaoui has got him even more excited for the new season.

Hartley succeeded this week after a long and difficult chase for the French-born striker, who signed a three-year deal at Dens Park.

The 23-year-old hit 30 goals for Dunfermline last season and Hartley believes there is more to come from the forward.

Hartley said: ''As far as I'm aware there were 10 clubs interested. He is someone we have been chasing for a long time. We tried to get him at the end of last season. We think we have a good player on our hands, someone we can develop and can get better. I'm excited by him, he is a proper player.''

Hartley revealed there had been no fresh moves for Greg Stewart following a failed bid by Birmingham earlier this week, sparking the prospect of a potent attacking force lining up for Dundee in their Premiership opener against Ross County on Saturday.

El Bakhtaoui said: ''I had some offers but I think this is the right decision to come to Dundee. Dundee have been interested in me since January and I have been thinking about it a long time. There is a good manager here.''

The former Pars player arrived on Tayside immediately after a trial at Blackburn and he is determined to make himself a success.

He said: ''It was a good club and the manager was happy to get me there, so I was happy to go there. I'm not disappointed for Blackburn. I need to work hard here and show what I can do.''