David Martindale admits he wants to see Rangers-linked Lawrence Shankland move on from Hearts after winner vs Livingston
David Martindale has admitted he would “love” to see Rangers-linked Lawrence Shankland move on from Hearts after he scored what proved to be the winner against Livingston.
The manager called the Scotland international a “match-winner” and compared him to former Ibrox goalscorer Alfredo Morelos, while suggesting there was “more to come” if he were to leave Tynecastle.
The 28-year-old has been heavily tipped as a target for Philippe Clement during the January transfer window, as the Belgian looks to address the weakness in his striking department.
Martindale said, via the Scottish Sun: “I genuinely think Shankland was the difference in the game. He must be worth four or five million pound. The top end of the park was the difference and Hearts have got a match-winner in their team.
“I know he misses the pen, but the outside of the foot finish for the second goal is fantastic. Our marking is diabolical, terrible. But that’s probably the difference, it’s that bleep Lawrence Shankland.
“I look at him and compare him. He’s completely different from Kyogo [Furuhashi], but he’s slightly like Morelos. Lawrence has more in his overall game though and a better mentality. When Morelos was at his prime, it’s a tough one but I’m probably taking Lawrence.
“He doesn’t have any temperament problems. I’d love to see him, as a football fan, go and progress. Hearts is a huge club, miles ahead of Livi, but I think there’s a bit more to come from Lawrence Shankland.
“Scoring 19 goals in all competitions, halfway through a season, is incredible numbers. It’s not just against us either, he’s scoring all types of different finishes against everyone.”
Beyond reach?
If Shankland is going to cost somewhere close to what Martindale has suggested then it is quite possibly not doable for Rangers during the current window.
Clement has secured Fabio Silva on loan from Wolves, with the Portuguese forward making his debut in the 3-1 win over Kilmarnock on Tuesday, but could still do with further reinforcements up front.
Danilo’s long-term injury coupled with endless fitness issues for Kemar Roofe means the burden otherwise falls on Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers.
Both have struggled since their summer arrivals, although the Nigerian international has surpassed his Dutch teammate, so any chance to land Shankland would be a huge boost.
With 18-months left on his current contract his asking price will decrease with every window unless he signs a new one with the Jambos.
But Steven Naismith’s side are unlikely to want to lose him midseason so it may push the question into the summer.
Shankland took some time to get back up to speed this season but has been on fire of late, with 12 SPFL strikes in his last 13 appearances as he returned to the same form he displayed last season, but has been tipped to be just as successful for Rangers.
If the door is open then the Light Blues surely have to investigate in the next few weeks, but Martindale and the fans may be frustrated in their hopes of seeing him make the step up.
In other Rangers news, the Gers and Celtic are both eyeing a signing battle for a free transfer.