Rangers have been linked with Lawrence Shankland ever since he was a teenager bursting onto the scene in what is a transfer that always seemed likely.
When Michael Beale spent over £4.3m on Cyriel Dessers and he struggled to make an immediate impact when he joined the Gers squad, it was easy to see why some fans pointed to the home-grown option at Tynecastle who could have done a better job.
Now, with new Rangers manager Philippe Clement said to be looking for a striker, Lawrence Shankland’s form and goals against the Old Firm has seen his name resurface as a possible target with Hearts number nine responding to speculation, as reported by The Herald.
Rangers-linked Lawrence Shankland responds to speculation
There’s no doubt that the 28-year old knows how to score goals but the fee that Hearts would demand is similar to the one that we paid for Dessers – if not more, if you believe reports coming out of Hearts AGM.
Realistically, I can’t see two players with almost no sell on value being in the Rangers squad competing for the same place both commanding £4m plus fees.
Additionally, Dessers has looked a lot sharper recently, more comfortable leading the line and is scoring and contributing to goals.
When asked about the recent rumours, not just linking Rangers, Lawrence Shankland was quick to play it down:
“It’s a sign you’re doing well when there’s speculation, that’s what I take from that. It’s always been the case throughout my career, there’s always been speculation flying about.
“It’s a sign I’m doing my job well and scoring goals. That’s all I focus on, doing my job for Hearts and doing it well.”
Rangers should have signed Lawrence Shankland, but not in the summer.
When he was leaving Dundee United or when he decided to return to Scotland after a short stint in Belgium, that was the time to sign him.
Even when Rangers were in the lower leagues and Shankland scored against us as a teenager, that would have been a good time to take a cheap punt.
Now though, it simply doesn’t make sense especially with Hearts, as mentioned in The Herald, wanting an “incredibly exceptional” offer for them to sell, unless Cyriel Dessers fancies heading along the M8 in a swap deal that is!
