BBC pundit issues admission as Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland Rangers transfer news emerges
Jim Duffy believes that Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland will be a perfect addition for Rangers in the January transfer window.
Daily Record (24 December) reported that it will take £3million to prise him away from Hearts this month.
Duffy does see the 28-year-old playing in a more withdrawn position rather than being an out-and-out number 10.
The BBC pundit said on PLZ Soccer, via Football Scotland: “I don’t think Lawrence Shankland is a lone striker. He can do it but I think you need players round about him, whether that’s a number 10 or wide players supporting.
“I think when he’s played with Liam Boyce when he’s fit or Josh Ginnelly when he was at Hearts that’s when he’s thrived and played at his very best. It distracts away defenders and he’s clever enough to find the space that those players create for him.
“The way Clement plays, whether it’s Cantwell or Fabio Silva, that type of player would be a perfect complement for Shankland.
“So I think he fits the mould and more importantly he’s a proven goal scorer and knows the Scottish game. He’s done it at Dundee United and Hearts, Ayr United at a lower level. His goal record in Scotland is outstanding.”
Get him
The striker’s style of play aligns perfectly with Clement’s system as he’s known for his goal-scoring prowess and ability to link up play seamlessly making him an ideal fit ahead of the three supporting attacking midfielders in this tactical setup.
His experience and success in Scottish football, with impressive goal-scoring records at Dundee United and Hearts, make him a proven entity in the domestic league.
Gers must prioritise signing a striker due to the severity of Danilo’s injury, exacerbating Clement’s concerns.
With the Brazilian facing an extended spell on the sidelines until April due to ligament damage, the team is left with a significant void in the attacking department.
The board must support the Belgian’s pursuit, recognising the critical importance of addressing the striker shortage to maintain a title challenge and also perhaps go further in the Europa League.
In other Rangers news, an update has emerged on the club’s pursuit to sign a new left-back as Ridvan Yilmaz’s Ibrox exit appears to be edging closer.