Rangers have been linked with Hearts forward Lawrence Shankland

Rangers handed free run at Lawrence Shankland as Celtic agree new striker transfer

Dan is a sports journalist who graduated from the University of Gloucestershire with a first-class degree in Sports Journalism. Dan has a huge love for football and has spent time inside newsrooms throughout his time at university. Away from his laptop, he enjoys playing Sunday League football, or watching whatever football, cricket or whatever sport he can find.

Published on:

13 Aug 2024, 8:10 am

Rangers' transfer window has stalled ever so slightly following the signing of Robin Propper and Vaclav Cerny a couple of weeks ago.

After a busy week or so at Ibrox, there has been a real lack of movement both in and out of the club as the final couple of weeks of the window get underway, despite an ambition to get deals done.

Most supporters and pundits are in agreement that the Gers still need another striker to support Cyriel Dessers, despite the Nigerian international's excellent start to the domestic and European campaigns.

One name that has once again been linked with a move from Tynecastle is Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland who is reportedly a target for both Philippe Clement's side and Celtic [HITC, 30 July].

But the Gers may have now been given a free run at the forward's signature after a new update emerged from Parkhead surrounding the Hoops' pursuit of Norwich City striker Adam Idah.

Will Lawrence Shankland exit Hearts amid Rangers transfer rumours?

According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph (12 August), Celtic have agreed a deal worth up to a reported £9.5million to sign Idah permanently after he spent part of last season on loan in Glasgow.

While on the face of it that doesn't appear to be particularly relevant to the Gers, according to John Hartson, this transfer could end the Hoops' interest in Shankland entirely.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show (1 August, 50:00) he said: "If they get Idah, then forget Shankland for Celtic I would think.

UPDATE: Celtic have agreed a deal worth up to £9.5m for Norwich City striker Adam Idah.

It’s understood the initial fee will be £8.5m, with £1m worth of add-ons.

Norwich have also inserted a 15% sell-on clause into the deal. https://t.co/XNddejEc87 pic.twitter.com/S6PBlJTDfz
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) August 12, 2024

"I don't think they need him."

If Hartson's assessment of the situation was correct, the pathway may now have cleared for Rangers to swoop in and secure their man without the threat of a potential hijack from their Old Firm rivals.

Whether or not Clement's side will take that opportunity with both hands remains to be seen.

Despite plenty of speculation, they're yet to make a real push for Shankland and it isn't clear if that will change ahead of the transfer deadline.

In other Rangers news, Clement has been told that he should "100 per cent" keep James Tavernier at Ibrox this summer

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