Lawrence Shankland, a talisman for Hearts, has connections to the Rangers Football Club.
The 29-year-old Scotland international striker is an important member of Hearts, but his lack of goals this year has led to Steven Naismith, the manager of the Jambos, being fired.
The striker has not found the back of the net in eight games.
Gorgie’s problem with Lawrence Shankland looms large as turmoil sweeps through Hearts, who are currently bottom of the Scottish Premiership.
Jambos CEO Andrew McKinlay has been talking about the striker’s future. He is not under contract and will be available on a free agent at the end of the season.
Lawrence Shankland is going to “see out” his Hearts deal.
There were significant Rangers ties to Lawrence Shankland last season ahead of the January transfer window.
The former striker for Dundee United and Ayr United had been on a roll at Tynecastle last season, netting 31 goals in total. He went on to win Scotland’s Player of the Year title as well as the Golden Boot.
Rangers’ eventual title collapse is frequently attributed in large part to their inability to sign Shankland, who Hearts valued at approximately £5 million in January of last year.
Although Hearts haven’t received any offers for Shankland, Andrew McKinlay has now acknowledged that the team’s chances of making a January exit this season are dwindling.
The Jambos think the forward will now finish out his term in Edinburgh, according to the Hearts CEO.
“We didn’t receive any offers, as has been widely documented,” McKinlay said to Sky Sports.
Which surprised me considering Lawrence’s season one efforts.
“I’m happy to have Lawrence for this year, and I hope for longer, so it certainly didn’t disappoint me.”
“As of right now, it’s only for this year.”
“I don’t see there being a decision to make in January,” McKinlay said in response to a question of selling Shankland in January before his contract expires the following season.
“As of right now, it appears that Lawrence will complete the remaining year on his contract.”
Hearts desire the Rangers-related talisman to remain
Rangers fans will definitely be paying attention because of the circumstances surrounding Lawrence Shankland at Hearts.
Although there is a perception that Hearts’ valuation from the previous season was holding the club hostage, supporters will be alarmed by the possibility of the Gers signing the childhood bluenose for nothing come summertime.
Even if Shankland is now out of form, Rangers will undoubtedly take into consideration the possibility of signing a deadly homegrown striker who understands what it takes to play for the team at Ibrox.
Despite Shankland turning down the Jambos’ most recent offer of a new contract, Hearts and McKinlay are desperate to avert a move to the Rangers.
McKinlay stated, “The last offer we made was rejected.” There isn’t currently an offer that is on the table.
“Obviously, we would have a conversation if his advisors or he himself wanted to speak with us.”
Afterwards, McKinlay stated, “If there is a conversation to be had, I would be pleased to have it.
“To see if we can convince him to stay here for a little while longer.”
When reporters enquired about if Shankland’s contract problem was affecting the striker’s form, McKinlay responded, “You’ll need to ask Lawrence that.”
McKinley remarked, “Lawrence had a slow start to last season.” What he’s enjoyed over the past two seasons is not something you lose in an instant.
“For this club over the past two seasons, he has been outstanding. He will return pretty soon if it doesn’t return on Saturday.
“I have no doubt in that.”
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