Last updated on .From the section Football

Dundee boss Paul Hartley won 25 caps for Scotland

Dundee boss Paul Hartley has turned down the opportunity to manage Cardiff City, BBC Scotland has learned.

The Welsh club contacted Dundee to speak to Hartley, 37, about replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who stepped down as manager after nine months in charge.

"Manager Paul Hartley has long-term plans to stay at Dundee Football Club," the club said in a statement. external-link

"Paul is committed to the club and is looking forward and focused on the upcoming derby matches this week."

quote The club and Paul see the solid foundation which has already been put in place as the beginning of a long-term plan which will see Paul at the helm of the club for years to come

Hartley left Alloa Athletic to take over at Dens Park in February.

Under the former Scotland midfielder, Dundee are unbeaten in six Scottish Premiership games this season.

"As a club, we are not surprised that speculation linking Paul to other clubs has come up due to the fantastic job he continues to do at Dens Park," added the Dens Park club.

"The club and Paul see the solid foundation which has already been put in place as the beginning of a long-term plan which will see Paul at the helm of the club for years to come."

Speculation had mounted that Solskjaer would be sacked by Cardiff owner Vincent Tan after winning only two of their opening seven games in the English Championship this season.

Solskjaer, 41, decided to step down after holding talks with chairman Mehmet Dalman.