Dundee United’s sporting director, Tony Ashgar, has delivered a transfer update on Lawrence Shankland, amid reported interest from both Rangers and Celtic, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
It was reported that both Old Firm clubs scouted the 24-year-old forward in the build-up to the international break [Daily Record].
It seems they have been alerted by his continued prolific goalscoring exploits since joining from Ayr United in the summer.
He has 15 goals in 14 appearances in all competitions for the Arabs [Soccerbase] and scored on his first start for Scotland against San Marino at the weekend.
Despite the reported interest in the striker’s services, though, Ashgar is adamant he’ll remain at United until at least the summer.
Dundee United claim Shankland going nowhere in January
“I don’t think there’s any price you could name for us to sell Lawrence Shankland and then not give ourselves the best chance of promotion,” he said, as quoted by the Scottish Sun. “The owners were clear when Lawrence arrived in the summer. He’s a key part of what we are trying to do, so I don’t expect any chats like this come January.”
“My job is to get the best value for the club – and the best value for the club is to get promotion over and above any money from a transfer fee.
“I’m sure Lawrence would say the same thing. He’s a great boy. Other clubs had a chance to take him six months ago and never took it — he understands that.”
Verdict
Rangers fans are very much divided on the merits of pursuing Shankland.
Some feel it should have been a no brainer to pick him up over the summer, while others maintain that even scoring prolifically in the lower leagues doesn’t prove he’d be able to cut it at Ibrox.
It’s pretty clear here though that United won’t be willing to part with their major asset in the winter anyway, which makes complete sense.
They are determined to get back to the top flight and after several seasons of failure, the 24-year-old’s goals look like they might be the difference this time around.
He’s tied to a three-year deal at Tannadice, so even if he goes in the summer, it’ll be for a substantial fee.
Therefore, if Rangers have suddenly decided they do want him after all, Ashgar is right to suggest they slipped up in not swooping in when he was available for nothing.
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