James McPake coy over Dundee return for Craig Wighton

Dundee manager James McPake will not rule out a move to bring striker Craig Wighton back to Dens Park this January.

The 22-year-old is free to leave Hearts 18 months after signing for the Edinburgh club from Dundee.

Wighton came through the ranks at Dens, making 96 appearances and scoring eight goals in dark blue.

Asked if he would try to sign the player this month, McPake said: “It was talked about in the summer as well – he’s a player I know very well but he’s a Hearts player so that’s where we are at with that one.

“I like good players and Craig is a good player but there is a process going on that we have been working on since the summer.

“We’ll not talk about who those players are because there is a lot of them.

“Is Craig one of them? Maybe. But at the moment he is a Hearts player and there will be loads of interest in him I am sure.”

Wighton’s availability comes as Hearts club captain Christophe Berra was told he is not part of manager Daniel Stendel’s plans and is free to find a new team.

And winger Jake Mulraney is another who could depart Hearts this month.

The 23-year-old Irishman is subject of interest from MLS side Atlanta United, with talks ongoing between Hearts and the American outfit that would see Mulraney head to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.