Daniel Lewis

Tue 9 January 2024 7:10, UK

The transfer saga involving Rangers and Hearts over the signing of Lawrence Shankland could become “very interesting”, according to The Fourth Official

Writing on his website on Monday [8 January], the journalist shared a report stating that Rangers signing Shankland in January is not dead in the water yet.

Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay said last month that Hearts are under no pressure to sell the Scotland international before the February 1 deadline.

“Even though Hearts said they don’t want to sell him, he’s scored 19 goals this season,” the report read.

“Now, there are reports that if a good offer comes, Hearts might change their mind.

“This is something The 4th Official had already reported on their Patreon especially when it comes to Rangers’ interest in the forward. This could become very interesting soon”

Worth paying for

Shankland would undoubtedly improve Rangers’ attack from the moment he signs on the dotted line.

For that to happen, the Gers do not so much as need to talk the player into joining, but rather persuade Hearts into cashing in.

The 28-year-old has another season to run on his contract after this one, so the ball is still in Hearts’ court.

That said, this coming summer will be their last opportunity to raise a sizable sum for Shankland.

Exactly what figure Hearts are after is unknown, but anything from £3.5million to £5million has been quoted.

Even if it is the latter, which is slightly on the steep side, there is an argument to be made that it is worth paying up.

After all, the club were all too happy to spend big on the likes of Danilo and Cyriel Dessers in the summer.

The difference with this deal is that Shankland has proven himself in the division and will hit the ground running.

If only one more deal is finalised this window, it surely has to be this one.

In other Rangers news, a journalist is expecting Gers fans to be excited after a “really savvy” transfer development.