Hearts want £2-3m for Rangers target Lawrence Shankland, it’s a ‘no-brainer’
Journalist Blair Meikle has claimed it is a ‘no-brainer’ that Rangers should make a move for Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland in the summer.
Links were prevalent in the January transfer window that Rangers were looking to make a move for the 28-year-old and they have continued ever since, but a high price tag is believed to have put them off.
With the current Scottish Premiership top scorer heading into the final year of his contract at Tynecastle, though, the Glasgow club may be able to acquire the attacker at lower price ahead of next season.
Writing for FootballScotland, Meikle believes Rangers would “be mad” not to swoop in for the Hearts man, who was on the losing side when they faced Philippe Clement’s men in the Scottish Cup semi-finals on Sunday (21 April).
The piece goes on to say Hearts will not ask for such a hefty fee this summer, and a figure in the region of £2-3m is more realistic – a deal Meikle claims should be a “no-brainer” for Rangers.
However, Meikle did make the point that it is not clear yet whether Rangers are looking to strengthen in attack, and signing a player in his late 20s for such a fee may not fit Philippe Clement’s long-term plan..
Rangers should go all out to sign Lawrence Shankland this summer
While there are arguments for and against, the pros certainly outweigh the cons when it comes to Shankland’s game.
Having been involved in 56 per cent of Hearts’ goals this season, Shankland has been crucial in Steven Naismith’s side pulling clear of the rest in third, behind the Old Firm clubs.
Shankland’s tally of 21 league goals accounts for 45 per cent of the Jambos’ goals, and has him comfortably clear at the top of the Premiership scoring charts.
While Cyriel Dessers moved onto 19 goals for the season in all competitions at the weekend thanks to his double over Hearts, the Gers may look to upgrade on the Nigeria international, especially if they miss out on the title.
Rangers currently sit three points behind Celtic entering the final five games of the campaign, as missed chances were costly in recent slip-ups against Ross County and Dundee.
With Scotland heading to Euro 2024 and Shankland set to be in the squad, it may also be in Rangers’ best interests to move fast, especially if their target is able to break into Steve Clarke’s side and make an impact in Germany.
In other Rangers news, the club are favourites to sign on-loan winger Abdallah Sima this summer, potentially beating Premier League clubs to his signature.
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