Rangers will “test the water” over bringing snapping up Hearts hero Lawrence Shankland THIS month.
That is according to pundit Tam McManus with reports swirling that the Scotland cap has turned down a deal that would have made him the highest paid player at the club in a decade with contract negotiations rumbling on with the club. But the Jambos now face a tough test to convince Shankland to stay in Gorgie beyond summer 2025 with reports of a move to Ibrox and English Championship sides swirling.
Shankland missed out on the Hearts’ narrow 2-1 win over League Two side Spartans through illness – but speculation has only intensified that a move could be on the cards this month. His absence means he wouldn’t be cup-tied after the transfer window closes, which has added to the swirls that the 28-year-old could be on his way to Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers before February 1.
And former Hibs striker McManus wrote on X that he expected Philippe Clement’s outfit to attempt to snap up the frontman this month. He wrote: “Don’t think there is any chance of Shankland signing a new deal at Hearts
“This is his opportunity to land the last big contract of his career. So they have to sell him either this month or in the Summer to get good money. I’d expect Rangers to test the water this month.”
Steven Naismith insisted that the absence was not related to transfers. The boss said: “The last few days he has been ill. He’s not been in the building since Tuesday or Wednesday and to be honest it is no great affect having him here. We’ve got a busy week and we will see how that plays out in the lead up to Dundee.
