While Dundee’s top-flight survival is currently uppermost in Dens boss Jim McIntyre’s thoughts, he has already started preparing for next season after signing Josh Todd on a pre-contract.
The versatile Queen of the South player will join the Dark Blues in the summer on a two-year deal.
Todd can play out wide on the left or in central midfield and also poses a goal threat with six to his name already this season.
The 24-year-old, who has also played for Annan, Dumbarton and St Mirren, featured strongly for the Doonhamers in their Scottish Cup tie with Dundee in January, providing the assist for Stephen Dobbie’s goal that earned the Championship side a replay at Palmerston, a game they won convincingly.
McIntyre, who is also working behind the scenes on other potential targets, is now hoping that Todd can make a big impact when he completes his move to Dens.
The manager said: “Josh is a player I have liked for a while.
“I watched him a few times before we played Queen of the South and I thought he did very well against us.
“We are glad to get it done because he is someone I think can come here and make an impact.
“He’s not a traditional winger in that he’ll hit the byline, but he makes good runs.”
McIntyre added: “Josh is an athlete, he’s quick, gets up and down the pitch and also has a good goal threat.
“He has scored a few this season and he’s played as a number 10 instead of a winger as well.
“He fitted the bill in terms of the profile of who we want to bring to the club. He’s a good age and someone I think we can develop.”
Queens manager, Gary Naysmith admitted he was disappointed to lose an important player like Todd but he moves with the club’s best wishes.
The Doonhamers boss said: “Josh is a very talented player who has been great for us.
“It is disappointing to lose someone of his quality but that’s football.
“We wouldn’t stand in the way of anyone who has the chance to move to a higher level, so he goes with our best wishes.
“He is still with us for a wee while yet and hopefully he can return from injury and play his part in helping us reach the play-offs.”
