Formerly Rangers-linked bluenose Lawrence Shankland is set to be available on a pre-contract deal in the January transfer window.
The Gers were credited with interest in Shankland both when he was netting prolifically for Ayr United during the 2018/19 Championship campaign [Scottish Sun] and after his move to Dundee United [Daily Record].
However, on both occasions, they ended up opting against a move.
The Scotland international, who grew up a Rangers fan, didn’t find the net as regularly as he would have liked last season after making the step up to the top flight with the Terrors, scoring just eight times in 32 league appearances.
Yet, there’s still been interest in him this summer, with MK Dons one of the clubs linked.
The Rangers speculation has died down, but Shankland’s contract situation may be of interest to the recruitment team at Ibrox.
The 25-year-old is entering the final season of his current deal, meaning that in the January window, he would be free to negotiate a pre-contract.
What’s more, he actively wants to keep his options open and therefore won’t rush into signing an extension.
“From a selfish point of view, I will be in a good position if I have a good six months at the start of the season,” he said [Scottish Sun]. “I am not going to say I am going to jump in right away and then sign a new deal.”
“I think it is something you need to look at, but you need to look at all your options and that is something I will do.”
Some supporters will look at Shankland’s underwhelming goal return from last season as proof that Rangers were right not to swoop before.
However, as the player himself recognises, if he bangs in goals over the first half of the season and proves he can perform at Premiership level, he could find himself very much in demand.
The Gers have made great use of pre-contract deals and free transfers in recent times and a similar move for a lifelong fan of the club could be a possibility if he excels over the coming months.
Rangers are also reportedly weighing up a move for another former lower-league striker who they scouted back in 2019.
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