Rangers have been linked with a summer swoop for Lawrence Shankland as former Ibrox striker Steven Naismith is drafted in to replace Robbie Neilson at Hearts.
The Jambos have just sacked the 42-year-old manager despite the coach getting the club promoted from the Championship, earning a 3rd place Premiership finish and taking Hearts on a rare foray into Europe with the Europa Conference League.
But five defeats on the bounce have left Tynecastle bosses with no choice as Rangers links to Lawrence Shankland emerge in the aftermath of Neilson’s Hearts sacking.
Rangers linked to Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland
Rangers have been routinely linked to Lawrence Shankland throughout his career with the boyhood bluenose mentioned as a potential Gers target during his time at Ayr United and Dundee Utd.
A short-lived stint with Beerschot in Belgium followed with the striker back at Hearts and back amongst the goals, having netted 18 in the Scottish Premiership this season.
The links are coming from the 4th Official, who believe that Rangers have actually stepped up their interest in Lawrence Shankland with an official approach.
Rangers director Ross Wilson has previously spoken about the need to sign homegrown players and Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland is amongst the best options in the country at the top end of the pitch.
Steven Naismith takes over at Hearts
The news comes as Hearts appoint controversial former Rangers striker Steven Naismith as interim Jambos manager until the end of the season following Neilson’s departure.
If things go to plan for Naismith – who left Rangers in a cloud of controversy in 2012 following the club’s financial demotion – then the Hearts striker could be a big player in the situation surrounding Shankland this summer.
With Rangers set to lose Alfredo Morelos come the end of the season with his contract ticking down, Kemar Roofe a constant sick note and the jury out on Antonio Colak, firepower is a must come the summer.
The links also come after Hearts director Joe Savage claimed Rangers couldn’t “afford” to sign Lawrence Shankland from the Tynecastle club.
