Rangers miss Lawrence Shankland transfer opportunity in crying shame for Hearts star

Rangers let their opportunity to sign Lawrence Shankland from Hearts go by when they failed to sign him in January, says Derek Ferguson.

The Tynecastle star has been linked to an Ibrox switch since early last season but nothing materialised in the winter, amid reported doubts over the fee and his suitability for Philippe Clement's system [Rangers Review, 24 July].

The Daily Record has now reported late in the summer window on 29 July that the sale of Sam Lammers has provided the necessary cash for a bid and Clement has warmed to the idea.

But according to Ferguson the deal would have been done by now if there was a genuine chance and the Jam Tarts skipper has may have missed out on realising his ambition to play for the club he supports.

Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News he said: "We had our opportunity I think in January but obviously the stumbling block was the fee, again it was the money.

"And I think it's always going to be that. I think if there was a deal to be done it would have been already sorted. 

"And there's only a week so as the days go past it seems less and less likely that we're going to have him in the building.

"It's a crying shame because we know that the guy is a Rangers supporter so I think it'd be an ambition of his to play with Rangers.

"But sometimes, it might be a fairytale for him, but I don't think it's going to happen."

Philippe Clement eyes Rangers move for Tynecastle captain

The Gers boss may have moved fast to replace Connor Goldson with the impending signing of Robin Propper [Sky Sports, 31 July] but there is still no striker through the door to fill Lammers' spot.

Hamza Igamane was brought in nearly a month ago but has vanished into individual training and a lack of fitness [4 Lads Had A Dream, 30 July].

And if a Shankland deal is on the cards there is no chance Steven Naismith is letting it happen before the two sides meet at Tynecastle on Saturday (3 August), where Propper could yet feature [Barry Anderson, 31 July].

In other Rangers news, the Light Blues have held talks with Manchester United over signing another ace.

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