It’s not a transfer window at Rangers without links to Lawrence Shankland.
Ever since the Hearts captain’s days leading the line for Ayr United and Dundee United, mentions of Rangers interest has never been too far away.
Back in January, Scotland’s eventual Player of the Year was hotly tipped to move to Rangers but a move never materialised and the rest is history.
But now there are some conflicting reports surrounding a potential Rangers move for Lawrence Shankland this summer as Philippe Clement fields questions on the striker.
Rangers links to Shankland continue
Reports that Rangers were set to reignite their interest in Lawrence Shankland re-emerged via the Daily Record and Keith Jackson earlier in July.
Now the senior Record journalist has released a new story via the newspaper claiming that the Ibrox side are now ready to step up their interest.
The latest Daily Record report claims that Rangers have now banked enough from the sale of Sam Lammers to FC Twente in order to launch a bid.
It’s now being claimed that Shankland is ‘top of the agenda’ at Rangers with a Scottish Premiership opener against Hearts looming large at Tynecastle this weekend.
The suggestion is that the Rangers board will leave the decision up to Philippe Clement who is yet to push the button on a transfer bid this summer.
Hearts – it’s claimed by Jackson – know about Rangers’ interest and are holding out for top dollar for the hitman with Steven Naismith previously valuing Shanks around £5m (Edinburgh News).
Despite this, Rangers hope to conclude a deal for somewhere in the region of £3m and it’s certainly got fans of both teams talking.
Interestingly, the reports received something of a kickback from the Hearts Standard, who claim that nothing has changed with regards the Tynecastle club’s stance and that there has been no Ibrox interest in Lawrence Shankland to date.
Clement talks Hearts striker
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has also been asked about potential interest in Lawrence Shankland heading into the weekend.
The Belgian has never been drawn on rumours linking the club to the 28-year-old Scotland striker and once again refused to bite.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Clement added that he would especially not be drawn on a player we’re set to play against in a few days’ time.
“That’s a name that comes a lot,” said Clement. “But also other names.
“But it stays the same, I’ll never speak about rumours and for sure not about players who you play against. So nothing to say about that.”
Lawrence Shankland scored 31 goals in all competitions for Hearts last season and is in the final year of his contract at Tynecastle.
Rangers currently have Cyriel Dessers occupying the number nine shirt at the club, with Brazilian striker Danilo returning from a long-term knee injury this summer.
The Gers have also spent £1.7m on FAR Rabat striker Hamza Igamane but the young Moroccan is not expected to be a starter just yet.
