Dundee have announced they have signed Kane Hemmings on a pre-contract.

The 23-year-old striker joined English League One side Barnsley last summer after a prolific spell at Cowdenbeath.

However, he only netted five times in 28 appearances for the Tykes and was told at the start of this month that his contract would not be renewed.

Dark Blues boss Paul Hartley is understood to be a long-time admirer of the player and Hemmings will now sign a three-year deal at Dens where he will link up with his former Blue Brazil strike partner Greg Stewart.

As Hemmings arrives, another three players will be leaving the club.

Hartley has decided that David Clarkson, Paul Heffernan and Kyle Benedictus will not be offered new contracts at the end of the season when their current deals come to an end.

Benedictus came through the youth ranks at Dens but has spent this season out on loan at Alloa.

Clarkson had an unbelievable start to his career in a Dark Blues shirt, netting eight times in his first eight games but has only scored once in his last 17 appearances.

Heffernan joined Dundee from Hibs in January but has struggled to make an impact.

Yesterday, the club parted company with Iain Davidson and Jamie Reid by mutual consent while Kevin McBride left earlier this month with Hartley determined to overhaul his squad.