Daniel Feliciano

Thu 14 December 2023 14:10, UK

Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay has refused to rule out Lawrence Shankland moving to Rangers or Celtic in January during the club’s AGM.

Rangers have been linked with a move for the Scotland international striker, with Philippe Clement known to be a fan as the club look to replace the crocked Danilo and make up for the poor performances of Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers.

But when asked directly during the AGM meeting on Thursday (14 December), McKinlay admitted there had been no contact and that it would take an “Exceptional bid” to convince them to sell but stopped short of ruling out a move.

“I’m delighted you asked that so I can give this answer,” McKinlay said. “We are not looking to sell Lawrence Shankland.

“Given his obvious importance to the team, it would take an exceptional bid for us to even consider it.

“We have no need to sell players and would only do so if we receive a valuation we feel is appropriate.

“We have had no contact from any club or agent to suggest anyone is going to bid for Lawrence in January.”

There’s a chance

So what you’re saying, Mr McKinlay, is that there is a chance? Interesting.

Rangers are short of cash, that much is obvious, but we currently don’t know what Hearts would consider to be an “exceptional” bid for their captain and star player.

His contract is due to expire in 2025 and at 28 years old he won’t get many better opportunities to get a big move in his career again.

Rangers clearly need a new forward and if there is a deal there to be done then we would be crazy not to look into it properly, and Hearts not outright ruling out a move away in January is the green light the board needed to go and make it happen.

Celtic are likely to be in the race too, but he will know what Gers can offer and that he would come in as first-choice option at Ibrox. This is most definitely one to watch in the coming weeks.

In other Rangers news, pundit tips PL defender for Ibrox move as “too big a draw” claim made.