BBC Sport pundit Ian McCall gives verdict on Lawrence Shankland to Rangers rumours
Ian McCall has advised Lawrence Shankland to swap Hearts for Rangers in the January transfer window.
The Gers have been linked with the Scotland international over the past few windows, without a move ever materialising.
Shankland’s form in recent weeks has led to fresh suggestions that Rangers could make an offer to tempt Hearts into selling in next month.
McCall managed the attacker at Ayr United and believes a move to Ibrox at this stage in his career makes sense, but Hearts may feel otherwise.
“From Lawrence’s point of view, I can see it happening,” he said on the Scottish Football Podcast [28 December, 7m 42s].
“From Hearts’ view, I just don’t think it can happen. Let’s be honest, there’s only two clubs in Scotland that can pay the money.
“I know where Lawrence’s preferred destination would be. If Hearts value him at £5million, then any new contract has to reflect that.
“If he has a chance to earn four times what he’s currently earning, at a club where he’d score over 30 goals a season, I think he has to go.”
Surely not
The surprise signing of Fabio Silva on loan from Wolves may well have altered Rangers’ transfer plans somewhat.
A new attacker of some sort always looked likely to arrive at Ibrox, but finding one available on loan was expected to be a tough assignment.
Full credit to the club, though, because not only did they manage to get a deal over the line, they did so before the window has even opened.
It seems unlikely that Rangers will pay four-or-five million for Shankland at this point, as they now have a few fair attackers to choose from.
That said, Silva will likely return to Wolves in the summer and this same topic will come back up ahead of next season.
The difference is, Shankland will be into the final year of his contract come next July, giving the Gers extra bargaining power.
There has been talk of a new deal being offered, which would change the picture entirely, but that is a risk Rangers will likely take.
If the funds are there for Shankland, great. But if not, it will be a case of the Light Blues remaining patient.
In other Rangers news, a behind-the-scenes figure at Ibrox is already pulling the strings despite not yet being in the job.