Lawrence Shankland is not one of seven Hearts players being lined up for a new contract at Tynecastle amid transfer murmurs surrounding Rangers.
The Edinburgh Evening News and journalist Barry Anderson are reporting that the capital outfit are set to offer several players in their squad new deals before the end of the season.
Having already tied up Lawrence Shankland’s strike partner Liam Boyle, Hearts are said to be looking at the contract situations of first-teamers Craig Gordon, Craig Halkett, Beni Baningime, and Alan Forrest.
Youth prospects Liam McFarlane, Ethan Drysdale, and Makenzie Kirk are also mentioned but its the lack of Lawrence Shankland which will pique the interest of Rangers fans.
No Hearts Lawrence Shankland contract talks just yet
Hearts manager Steven Naismith was only last week discussing the future of Lawrence Shankland amid those links to Rangers.
Claiming that conversations surrounding a new contract would be had at the “right moment” it appears that the time has not yet come as speculation surrounding Rangers continues.
Ibrox manager Philippe Clement was also asked about the situation with Shankland, the Gers gaffer having been snapped talking the striker on a recent clash at Tynecastle.
Claiming there was “nothing really special” in the interaction, big Phil is clear he’ll be giving journalists nothing with regards potential transfer interest.
Lawrence Shankland remains one of the Scottish Premiership’s best players and is undoubtedly one of the top strikers in the country.
Having netted 12 times already this season, it’s hard to argue against the forward doing a job in Glasgow with Hearts negotiations yet to start over a new deal.
Rangers need added firepower
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has been clear that his squad will be reinforced with a new striker in January but fans will have to wait to see if that will be Lawrence Shankland.
The Jambos captain, 28, is routinely mentioned alongside a switch to Ibrox although there has been nothing concrete surrounding potential Rangers interest.
In fact, ever since the striker started finding the net routinely with Ayr United and then Dundee United, mentions of Rangers haven’t been far away from the Bluenose hitman.
Combine this with news that Brazilian striker Danilo is set for four months on the sidelines – alongside the fact Kemar Roofe is unlikely to be offered a new contract in the summer – and somehow we don’t expect that to stop.
Rangers need more firepower if they’re to go the distance this season and until Hearts hitman Lawrence Shankland signs a new deal, expect the headlines to continue.
