Football digest

Premier league necomers Dundee will today snap up freed Motherwell pair Shaun McSkimming and Eric Garcin.

Dens Park boss Jocky Scott has fixed up French midfielder Garcin and left-sided utility player McSkimming as part of a summer signing spree as Dundee prepare to return to the big time.

Garcin and McSkimming were released by Motherwell in an end-of-season clear-out. And for McSkimming it will mean a return to the club where his senior career began.

Scott signed him as a 17-year-old and he had four seasons at Dens before he was sold to Kilmarnock for #40,000 because the then chairman Angus Cook needed to raise money to pay a VAT bill.

McSkimming said last night: ''I am led to believe that was the reason Dundee allowed me to go in 1991, but I know the situation is different at Dens now in financial terms.''

Added McSkimming, who will sign a three-year deal: ''Although I was freed by Motherwell I wanted out anyway, because I need a fresh challenge.''

The player also believes Dundee have signed a winner in former Fir Park team-mate Garcin.

He added: ''Eric is a play-maker, but he also puts his head and feet in where it hurts.

''He can score goals as well and I am sure he will do well with Dundee.''

Scott hopes to make further signings soon and McSkimming and Garcin could be joined by another player from Motherwell - out-of-contract striker Tommy Coyne, who has also had one spell at Dens already.

Dundee are also the latest club to be linked with Dundee United defender Mark Perry. The out-of-contract Tannadice star has been targeted by Aberdeen and Huddersfield.