Lawrence Shankland January transfer mooted as Philippe Clement dealt Rangers ‘body blow’
Kheredine Idessane has mooted a potential Rangers transfer for Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland after Abdallah Sima has been ruled out for an extended period through injury.
Writing on the BBC Sport website on Wednesday (24 January), the journalist said the thigh injury sustained by the 22-year-old forward while away with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations is a “body blow” for Philippe Clement.
He suggested that the void left by Sima could be filled by the 28-year-old Jambos forward after the Gers have been heavily linked with a move for the Scotland international in the January transfer window.
“Just when he (Clement) thought his treatment room might be clearing, another body blow for the Belgian,” said Idessane. “One of his best players and best performers out ‘long term’ with a problem picked up on international duty with Senegal.
“Sima’s goals need to be replaced, and quickly. Fabio Silva has already arrived on loan from Wolves but doesn’t appear to be the goal-poaching type.
“Lawrence Shankland, on the other hand, is. The Hearts striker has been heavily linked with a move away from Tynecastle. Not because he’s unhappy there, far from it. More due to the fact that both Celtic and Rangers could do with a little extra firepower.
“Will the Sima situation prompt Rangers to test Hearts’ resolve? Will Shankland feel he has more chance of securing a place in the Scotland squad for the Euros as the free-scoring captain of Hearts rather than someone who may not necessarily be the first name on the teamsheet at Rangers?
“Intriguing questions as Scottish football’s top flight comes out of cold storage following the winter break. Time is ticking down on the remainder of the transfer window. I don’t expect the final week will be as uneventful as the first three.”
Make it happen
There has been surprise amongst many interested onlookers that Rangers are yet to firm up their interest in Shankland with an offer so far this month.
That could potentially be down to a lack of finances after Michael Beale was allowed to bring in a number of players in the summer window and perhaps spent a large portion of the budget.
But if there is still some cash left in the kitty, then this is a deal the Gers should absolutely be looking to make happen as he’s been the best forward in the country this season.
Having scored 18 goals in 29 appearances so far during this campaign, the Scotland international is at the peak of his powers and could provide Clement with the firepower he needs to mount a serious title push.
Whether or not the Light Blues will make a move for him during this window is anyone’s guess, but they certainly need to get another attacking player through the door following Sima’s injury.
In other Rangers news, Fabrizio Romano has shared a transfer update as discussions are ongoing at Ibrox.
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