Lawrence Shankland left out of squad as Rangers transfer talk heats up
Hearts have left Lawrence Shankland out of their squad for their Scottish Cup clash with Spartans on Saturday 20 January as Rangers circle, according to the Scottish Sun.
The newspaper shared the news after also reporting that the Scotland international was ready to turn down a contract offer with speculation rising at Ibrox.
Philippe Clement is said to have made no secret regarding his admiration, and Shankland will not be cup-tied for further in the competition now.
All talk?
Rumours have emerged that the 28-year-old is suffering from an injury, but that does nothing to end any speculation regarding a move to Ibrox.
It is the move that everyone is wanting in Glasgow this month, but with no real evidence that money is available to splash on Shankland, something needs to change.
Hearts will want millions to let go of their star man before the February 1 deadline, but that could be the difference between the title and second place again.
John Bennett did admit that money was available after a big spend under Michael Beale, and Clement will need that if he is to fix those mistakes.
A new striker is desperately needed above anything else with left-back and midfield covered for now, but something that can be looked at in the summer.
Is Shankland now forcing his way out? We will all get an answer on that very soon it seems.
In other Rangers news, Andy Walker has been left enraged by a “bizarre” new development at the SFA after Old Firm controversy
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