Lawrence Shankland agent has strong hand in Hearts talks as Rangers rumours persist

Lawrence Shankland's agent holds a "strong hand" over negotiations at current club Hearts as rumours about a Rangers switch persist.

That is according to journalist Blair Meikle, who believes the forward's brilliant form and adopted leadership role at Tynecastle Park means Shankland should be paid more by the Jambos.

It is well-known that the Gers were interested in a move for Shankland but Meikle wrote that Rangers were put off by the reported £5million price tag. However, with just a year left on his contract, many feel a summer move is a "no-brainer".

Meikle - Writing for Football Scotland on Wednesday (24 April) - said if he is to discuss new Hearts terms he is a strong negotiating positions, writing: "All of this shows just how important he is to the club but also gives him and his agent a strong hand when it comes to negotiating.

"Something else that adds to that is the Jambos' desire for over £5million if they were to sell him in the January window past. Think I'm a £5m player? Pay me like one!"

Could Rangers target Lawrence Shankland once again ahead of the summer transfer window?

Cyriel Dessers has emerged from his shell since the appointment of Philippe Clement at Ibrox, scoring 19 goals in all competitions, but some have still raised concerns over the striker's inconsistencies.

Hearts' Shankland is the leading goalscorer in the Scottish Premiership this season, with 21 goals, four more than Rangers' very own James Tavernier.

While the club have also been linked with a move for Aberdeen's Bojan Miovski, who has 14 league goals this term, a move for Shankland would make much more sense after their January interest.

The 28-year-old's price tag is likely to have dropped significantly since January, and with the prospect of being able to sign a replacement, the Jambos could be more open to selling him.

With a year left on his deal, Hearts must weigh up the pros and cons of keeping the attacker, who could leave next summer on a free transfer as he has yet to sign a new contract, and does not look likely to do so.

Clement will be looking for an out-and-out striker ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, and Shankland is exactly the kind of profile that could fit the squad at Ibrox.

In other Rangers news, Tom English claims bad things usually happen after what one Ibrox ace has done.

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