Lawrence Shankland to Rangers transfer path may open again soon at Hearts
Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland could still be a transfer option for Rangers as a path may open to Ibrox in the summer, according to Football Scotland.
The website reported [12 February] that Hearts could be more open to selling their star player in the summer when he only has 12 months left on his current contract, having continued to reject extension offers at Tynecastle Park.
It is understood that the Gers did not table any offer for the 28-year-old during the January transfer window but have been long-time admirers of Shankland.
Mark Hendry wrote: “Should he continue to ignore offers, Steven Naismith could have a decision to make to get as much cash back on him as possible – and that could open a path for the Ibrox club.”
Rangers transfer target must be main priority
Despite the incomings of Fabio Silva, Mohamed Diomande and Oscar Cortes during the January transfer window, the feeling that one piece of the puzzle is still missing remains at Ibrox.
Shankland is currently the Scottish Premiership’s leading goalscorer this season, impressing throughout the campaign as Hearts continue to press for a top-three finish.
Compared to Shankland, Rangers’ top scorers in the league are Brighton loanee Abdallah Sima, who is now sidelined with injury and right-back James Tavernier. Although the latter is known for his wicked free-kicks and pin-point penalties, a club like Rangers should have a poacher leading that stat.
Cyriel Dessers has made a resurgence under Philippe Clement, with 12 goals and seven assists this season, but there is little doubt that Shankland would take Rangers to the next level as they compete for the Scottish Premiership and Europa League title.
As the player continues to reject contract extensions, the likelihood is that Hearts will bite the bullet and allow him to move on. The potential transfer fee could be huge for a club like Hearts, while Rangers will benefit from a lower transfer fee due to the months left on his current contract ticking down.
In other Rangers news, a former Liverpool and Everton midfielder has revealed an offer to secure a permanent move to Ibrox.
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