Ibrox News Speaking to Tam McManus

Fri 10 February 2023 12:51, UK

We’re delighted to welcome Tam McManus as our exclusive Rangers columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…

Tam McManus has backed Rangers to make a move for Lawrence Shankland in the summer but admits Hearts would want “big money” for the Scotland striker.

Glasgow-born Shankland, 27, has scored 21 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions for Hearts this season, with three of those goals coming against Celtic at Tynecastle back in October.

The four-times Scotland international is a major contender to win the Scottish Premiership golden boot award and it’s also well-known that he’s a boyhood Rangers fan.

Michael Stewart said on BBC Sportsound on 4 February that he expects the Light Blues to be hot on the heels of Shankland for his achievements in Edinburgh this season.

And McManus believes that’s the case too, suggesting that the ex-Dundee United centre-forward could be a replacement for Alfredo Morelos at Ibrox with the Colombian’s deal up at the end of the season.

“When you look at a striker who’s not at Rangers or Celtic and is on for 30 goals, it’s a phenomenal achievement,” McManus told Ibrox News.

“Shankland’s had a fantastic season. He’s a very, very talented player and by all accounts, he’s a big Rangers fan as well.

“I think he’d fit in with the team at Ibrox, particularly if Alfredo Morelos moves on.

“Is he a Champions League striker? Probably not but domestically, he would guarantee you 25 or 30 goals a season.

“You can spend £4-5million on bringing up someone from England who doesn’t settle or doesn’t score enough goals.

“Shankland is a proven Scottish Premiership striker but I think he’s on a long-term contract at Hearts so they’ll want big money for him.”

Shankland has only failed to score against Rangers and Livingston in the Scottish Premiership this season.

In other Rangers news, the Ibrox bank is set for a cash boost after a document emerged on Wednesday.