Ravanelli confirms Dundee move

Ravanelli has an excellent pedigree

Italian striker Fabrizio Ravanelli has told BBC Sport that he intends to sign for Dundee on Monday.

The ex-Juventus and Middlesbrough forward has met with Dens Park director Giovanni di Stefano, with the lawyer claiming the deal is already done.

And Ravanelli told BBC Radio Scotland on Thursday night that he fully expects to be a Dundee player next week.

"It's absolutely 100% - I'll be in Dundee on Monday to sign a new contract," said Ravanelli.

"I have talked to Giovanni di Stefano and we spoke about everything at Dundee.

"I have received two or three offers but Dundee is the best option for me - they have a very exciting programme for the future.

It's important for me to get fit and start playing for Dundee Fabrizio Ravanelli

"I haven't signed yet because I wanted to talk it over with my family.

"My oldest son started school just one month ago in Derby and he's enjoying it there and so I want everthing sorted out for my family.

"I think it will be possible for me to travel between Derby and Dundee, so it shouldn't be a problem.

"I love Scotland. When I was at Juventus I had contact with Glasgow Rangers but Middlesbrough offered a lot of money.

"I love the style of football in Scotland and now it's important for me to get fit and start playing for Dundee - to score goals and give 100% of my body."

On Wednesday Di Stefano maintained Ravanelli had already signed a deal with the Tayside club.

He told the Daily Record: "All I can say is that, as a result of my meeting today with Fabrizio Ravanelli, I have called for a press conference for Monday at 3pm to announce a new player joining Dundee Football Club on a two-year contract.

"I can't be much clearer than that, can I?

"The man has signed a two-year contract.

"On Monday, we'll make a formal announcement but that's not to say it hasn't been done already.

"The number 11 shirt has already been set aside and I can't wait to see him wearing it."

Dundee on Friday signed Ravanelli's former team-mate, Craig Burley, the pair having been released by cash-strapped Derby County at the end of the season.

Now they are prepared to make Ravanelli the highest-paid player in their history.

Newspaper reports had suggested that Georgia midfielder Kinkladze, another former Derby team-mate of Ravanelli's, was also poised to sign for Dundee.

It is being suggested that he will be given a £10,000-per-week deal until the end of the season that will make him the club's highest-ever paid player.

Tottenham Hotspur had wanted to give him a trial, but 29-year-old Kinkladze is said to have agreed to go to Dundee with a get-out clause should a Premiership club show interest.

Have your say: BBC Scotland Fans Forum