Steven Naismith drops update on Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland amid Rangers links
Steven Naismith has been quizzed over the future of Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland who’s been linked with a move to Rangers.
Football Scotland have reported on 17 January that he’s got a bumper contract on the table but is yet to sign it.
Naismith confirms that the club want to retain the services of the 28-year-old but has not guaranteed his stay beyond the January transfer window.
He said: “We want to keep Shanks. As a club, we will do all we can to keep Shanks. Everybody here loves him. Everybody wants him to stay.
“We don’t want to sell him.”
There is hope
What Naismith says doesn’t necessarily mean Rangers should give up hope as these dynamics are complex and player decisions can be influenced by various factors.
Gers could still explore the possibility of signing Shankland by initiating discussions with the striker.
Despite the new contract offer from Hearts, the 28-year-old’s future may not be entirely settled, especially if Rangers can present an attractive proposal.
Given his age, it’ll probably be the last big contract of his career and it’s fair to assume he’s going to be paid much better in Glasgow and given the chance to fight for trophies.
By engaging in conversations right away with the Scotland international, Gers can gauge his interest and assess whether he might be open to a move.
Until a player officially commits to a new deal, there’s always room for negotiation and persuasion and they should keep communication lines open and see if they can present a proposition that aligns with Shankland’s ambitions.
In other Rangers news, a £4.8million bid update has emerged as development occurs in Gers’ quest to seal a January signing.
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