By Graeme Dey

DUNDEE manager Jim Duffy said last night he would be reluctant to let Nacho Novo go for £400,000 as he reckons the Spaniard is worth much more.

An English first division club—understood to be Leicester City—have indicated to the Dark Blues they might be willing to pay that sum for Novo.

Duffy in turn has asked them to table a bid although he has a far higher valuation of the player.

“Two English first division clubs, both of whom I would think could be challenging for promotion next season, have been talking to us about Nacho and one mentioned a figure of £400,000,’’ he said. “I told the club concerned to make a formal offer and it would be considered.

“I want to see if the £400,000 they mentioned is a dead figure or whether there would be add-ons if they won promotion to the Premiership or Nacho made a certain number of appearances.

“Personally I think he is worth considerably more but it all comes down to the market and how much any would be buyer is willing to pay.

“At the moment the only offer we’ve received was from Rangers (£250,000) and that was turned down because the minimal financial benefit to be gained from selling him for that sort of money would be offset completely by the loss of his goalscoring contribution to the team.

“As things stand, Nacho will be coming back here next season but if a larger bid comes in for him then we will have to decide whether it would be in the best interests of the club to accept it.”

Dundee have had a couple of inquiries for goalkeeper Julian Speroni but as yet no offers.

ST JOHNSTONE boss John Connolly insisted last night reports suggesting freed Aberdeen striker Steven Tarditi was to be joining Saints for pre-season training were premature.

“We are looking for a big striker and in a conversation with an agent Tarditi’s name was mentioned to me,’’ said Connolly. “I did indicate we might be interested in having a look at him in the pre-season but nothing was agreed.”