By Jim Spence

Griffiths has signed a three-year contract at Dens

Leigh Griffiths has targeted promotion to the Scottish Premier League after clinching a £125,000 move to Dundee.

The 18-year-old striker has arrived at Dens Park on a three-year deal from First Division rivals Livingston.

"I know the club's going places and hopefully we'll be in the SPL next season," Griffiths told BBC Scotland.

"First and foremost, I want to win the league with Dundee then hopefully play in the SPL with them. But, if not, then who knows?"

He added: "We've got quality throughout the squad and hopefully we can be champions next season.

"I played here last season with Livingston and I could see myself playing in a big stadium.

"But that was taking nothing away from Livingston - I loved the players, I loved the fans, I loved the club there."

I would hope the fans would see today with the kind of fee we've paid that the board is putting its money where its mouth is Calum Melville

Livi have been threatened with administration and relegation because of ongoing financial problems and Griffiths was keen to wish the West Lothian club well upon his departure.

"I love the players, every single one of them," said the Scotland B cap.

"I don't want anything to happen to the club, I wouldn't wish it on any club, but especially Livingston because obviously I love the club, it's in my heart."

Meanwhile, Dundee director Calum Melville believes the signing of Griffiths illustrates the club's ambition and is hopeful of further bolstering the squad.

Partick Thistle midfielder Gary Harkins and former Hibernian and Motherwell player Brian Kerr are both being pursued by the Tayside club.

"I wouldn't say I've bankrolled this deal," said Melville. "We've got a board of directors, led by Bob Brannan, and we put together a financial plan.

"There was investment coming into the club from the directors and the money that was spent on Leigh was right within that band and within the financial plan.

"There's more money there if we can tempt other players to Dens Park.

"Dundee has to wash its own face. But, like all clubs, Dundee can only really do that in the SPL.

"You have to invest to get into the SPL, to get yourself into that sustainable position. But, having said that, we're in an extremely fortunate position in that we've got no debt, which is unique I think in football.

"I would hope the fans would see today with the kind of fee we've paid that the board is putting its money where its mouth is.

"The board of directors can't do this alone, it's up to everyone that genuinely supports Dundee in the city to buy a season ticket and get down here and support what is undoubtedly going to be an exciting team."

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