Rangers declined to make an offer for Lawrence Shankland during the summer transfer window, according to Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay.
Although the Scotland striker was a prolific player at Tynecastle last season, the fans’ demands for a new frontman prevented the Gers from launching an offer, despite strong reports tying him to a trade and indicating conversations had taken place [HITC, 3 September].
Speaking to Sky Sports News on September 25, McKinlay acknowledges that he was taken aback that no offers, from Ibrox or elsewhere, had been made for the 29-year-old.
“We didn’t receive any offers [in the summer], which surprised me given Lawrence’s performances last season,” he stated. “There’s nothing at the moment.” That didn’t surprise me at all, since I’m thrilled to have Lawrence for this year and expect to have him for much longer.
“I don’t think a decision will need to be made in January; it appears that Lawrence will finish out the remaining year on his contract. However, if a discussion is necessary to determine whether we can convince him to stay here longer, I would be happy to have one.”
Lawrence Shankland was not bid on by the Rangers.
Despite scoring 31 and 28 goals in each of the previous two seasons, Shankland has not scored in eight games across all competitions this season.
However, that doesn’t do much to damage his image, which has seen him strongly associated with Rangers and secured him a spot in Steve Clarke’s Scottish side for Euro 2024.
Philippe Clement never openly endorsed the demands made of him during the summer, and the Belgian did not actively try to unseat Cyriel Dessers, who scored 22 goals the previous season and has already scored seven in nine this one.
Hearts are in a difficult situation with Shankland, who is out of contract in the summer, and McKinlay has been called out for his current position over his new deal in Edinburgh.
His next contract is expected to be carefully studied because he turns 30 in August of next year. A chance at winning domestically and a return to European football may be more alluring than anything else.
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