Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland claims he was “sick” of hearing his own name amid January links to Rangers.
The Jambos hitman has also claimed that just saying focused on his football allowed him to block out the noise surrounding a winter transfer.
The Scotland international, 28, was the subject of much chatter around Rangers but a move didn’t materialise for whatever reason.
Offered a new contract by Hearts, Lawrence Shankland was talking about his transfer situation after yet more goals for the Edinburgh club over the weekend.
Lawrence Shankland talks Hearts exit rumours
Netting a double in the 3-2 win against Dundee at Dens Park – and taking his tally to 21 for the season in the process – the hitman once again proved his value to the Jambos.
Asked at full-time about all that speculation in the winter window, Lawrence Shankland insists he kept his focus on the task at hand and it’s paying dividends.
“Obviously it brings a pressure,” said Shankland. “There’s a lot of noise and talk around the place.
“I was probably sick of my own name in the end to be honest hearing it that much!
“My family were the same, they were always asking but listen, I was fully focused on my football.
“I think even in December leading up to it there was a lot of talk but I stayed focused on my football.
“I was performing well, still scoring goals and doing my job for Hearts. So I think that’s the most important thing I could focus on and do.”
Rangers striker target talks transfer fees and contract
Lawrence Shankland was also asked about Hearts’ reported asking price for his services amid the links to Rangers.
Reports had suggested that the Gers would have to pay up to £4m to prize the boyhood bluenose from Tynecastle in January.
Claiming that’s a situation outwith his hands, Shankland insists he is happy to be playing in Edinburgh.
“That’s the part of it that’s outwith my hands people probably don’t think of,” said Shankland.
“Until somebody comes to Herts and says ‘here this is what we’re giving you and you are accepting it’ it doesn’t come as far as me.
“That probably allowed me to just go and enjoy my football and to keep focused to be honest. I’m involved quite far down the line in these things so no, nothing came about.
“As I said, I was happy to be here before, I’m happy to be here now, I never once said I was happy to be here before, I’m happy to be here now.
“I never once said I’m desperate to go out the door. I’m enjoying my football, I’m scoring goals, and leading the team out here isn’t too bad either!”
Claiming that contract talks have been put on the back burner for now despite an ultimatum on Hearts’ latest offer this week, Lawrence Shankland will take his time before deciding his future.
The striker has a lot of things to “consider” and one wonders if that might be the option of a more affordable switch to Ibrox.
Reported £4.5m Gers striker Kemar Roofe is out of contract come the end of the season, whilst £35.6m Wolves loanee Fabio Silva will likely return to the Premier League side.
That means Rangers could have a £40m forward line hole to plug and a summer switch for Lawrence Shankland might go some way to doing so.
