Rangers: Lawrence Shankland drops ‘tempting’ Hearts exit hint to BBC amid ongoing speculation
Lawrence Shankland has given the strongest hint yet that he would be interested in a move to Rangers after admitting it would be “tempting” to get opportunities he couldn’t at Hearts.
The Tynecastle star is the subject of ongoing speculation that he could be a target at Ibrox and has been since the build up to the January transfer window, although Jambos chiefs insist there was never any realistic possibility he would move midseason.
He has however rejected multiple contract offers to extend the deal which currently expires at the end of next season, leaving open the possibility that a move may affordable in the coming months.
The 28-year-old has repeatedly ensured he hasn’t dismissed the importance of his current employers and their fans, and did so again ahead of their next game.
But speaking to BBC Sport Scotland (8 March) prior to Hearts’ Scottish Cup tie with Greenock Morton he was asked if he could fulfil his ambitions at the club and admitted the chance to win trophies elsewhere or play in situations that would not be possible with the Jambos would interest him.
Rangers opportunities potentially attractive to Hearts captain?
The Scotland international said: “It depends what you want to talk about. I’m not going to win the Champions League here. So it’s one of those ones, you need to be realistic about what the club can achieve and what you can achieve as a player.
“Of course if the opportunity to maybe win things that you wouldn’t win, and play in places that you wouldn’t play at Hearts, come about then it would obviously be tempting.
“It’s a football career and I’m the same as every other player in that aspect. But as I’ve said I’d never be disrespectful to the situation that I’m in. I’m under contract at Hearts, I love it here, I’m loved by the fans and obviously that’s a huge help in things that I do week to week”
It’s a credit to Shankland that he has maintained complete professionalism throughout the “circus” that has developed from transfer speculation, including from his own family.
And there is no suggestion that he has any negative feelings towards Steven Naismith’s side, where he is in exceptional form this term with 27 goals so far this term.
But if Hearts don’t get him signed to a new deal they will know it is the last opportunity to get decent money for him this summer, even if it isn’t a record amount they would have required to let him go in January.
And he looks to have indicated that if the option does offer itself he would be interested, so it seemingly depends now on what Philippe Clement and the Rangers hierarchy feel is feasible at the conclusion of the current campaign.
Ibrox striker situation uncertain for Philippe Clement ahead of summer
Cyriel Dessers has scored goals (16 this season) but can be inconsistent, Fabio Silva is on loan, Kemar Roofe’s fitness has been a regular issue and his contract is expiring, while Danilo has been out injured long-term and Sam Lammers was allowed to leave on loan in January amid major struggles at Ibrox.
Hearts and Rangers fans may disagree on the extent that his opportunities in Glasgow would surpass those in Edinburgh, but Europa League knock-out stages and potential Champions League football plus increased chances of domestic trophies would seem to fit the description of what he deems “tempting”.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues are eyeing up a bargain deal to bring a new ace up from England.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.