Thursday 11 August 2016 16:35, UK
Dundee boss Paul Hartley is refusing to rule out Greg Stewart remaining at Dens Park after a proposed move to Birmingham City stalled.
Both clubs had agreed a fee for the striker earlier in the week put personal terms proved a sticking point and Stewart has returned to training after sitting out last week's victory over Ross County with a minor knock.
Hartley expects the former Cowdenbeath forward to be in his matchday squad for the visit of newly-promoted Rangers this weekend while Birmingham counterpart Gary Rowett is refusing to rule out a move at a later date.
With one year remaining on his deal, Dundee accepted a bid of around £500,000 rather than face losing him for nothing next summer.
"The ball is firmly in Birmingham's court just now in terms of personal terms," said the former Celtic and Scotland midfielder. "Will they revisit that? I don't know.
"Greg just loves playing football. He has never come to me asking for a move. He is at an age where he sees this as a different challenge for him. But, who knows, we still might have Greg for the next season."
The 26-year-old has been on the PFA Scotland player of the year shortlist in both seasons since moving to Dundee from Central Park in June 2014.
Stewart, who can also play in midfield, has scored six goals in three Betfred Cup games this season and Hartley is convinced he can play at a higher level.
"Is he good enough for the Championship in England? Without a shadow of a doubt," he said. " A lot of Scottish players have proved that over the years. The way Greg has performed over the past two years has been terrific."
Rowett remains hopeful of landing his man, but admits, as it stands, the 'deal is up in the air'.
Quoted on his club's official website, he said: "Unless he signs for someone else, or perhaps re-signs for Dundee then it's still something we'll always look at. But of course we'll now look at our other options as well.
"I've got no problem with the agent and we've not been messed about in that sense. It's just a clear case of what we've put in front of them at the moment wasn't quite what they were looking for.
"I've been in that situation as a player and I've got no problem with that - that's their prerogative. All I can do is say he is a very good player and we think he is one who could improve us and give us something slightly different."
