Steven Naismith has warned would-be suitors that Rangers-linked Lawrence Shankland is “highly valued” at Tynecastle.
Chatter surrounding Rangers and Lawrence Shankland has been ramped up in recent weeks as the club’s homegrown quota and stuttering summer striker signings are upstaged by the Scotland international.
The 28-year-old Hearts hitman has found his form again with the Jambos and his run of five goals in six games sees him named the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for November.
Now, Steven Naismith has been talking about Lawrence Shankland’s future and the Hearts manager has been loud and clear regarding his feelings about the hitman.
Steven Naismith on Lawrence Shankland
Speaking ahead of Rangers’ visit to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, November Manager of the Month Steven Naismith has heaped praise on Lawrence Shankland.
The Jambos boss has also claimed that any contract negotiations – with the striker’s current deal up in the summer of 2025 – will be shelved until a later date.
Rangers have also long been linked with a move for the boyhood bluenose but the Jambos manager is clear the striker is valued very highly in Edinburgh.
“They (contract) conversations will be had at the right moment,” said Naismith. “I think when you get more experienced as a player and as a club it’s not something you have to jump on straight away.
“He’s a very important player at the club, he’s very highly valued here, he’ll know that and everyone around the club knows that so they conversations will happen at the right time.
“But at the moment it’s just about focusing on that good run and continuing what we are doing and for Shanks to continue what he is doing.”
Rangers board will back Belgian boss
Steven Naismith’s comments on Lawrence Shankland come after Ibrox chairman John Bennett claimed Philippe Clement will be backed at Ibrox.
Speaking at the Gers’ AGM, Bennett claimed that despite the summer splurge under Michael Beale there will be money to invest into the squad if the Belgian manager needs it.
“The board will be ready, whether that’s in January or the summer,” said Bennett.
“We had a lengthy meeting on Friday, Philippe Clement and I. I don’t think the last window impinges on our ability to strengthen the squad. We have to aspire to strengthen always.”
Lawrence Shankland remains one name who is never too far away from Rangers with the club’s recent Scotland contingent a damning indictment of our mismanagement of the homegrown quota.
There are few players who would fulfil one of the slots more effectively than Lawrence Shankland but Steven Naismith is clear Hearts seriously rate the forward.
This would suggest that Lawrence Shankland wouldn’t come cheap with fans largely split on the striker.
One ex-Jambo this week claimed the Jambos hitman is better than the £10.5m frontline assembled at Ibrox this summer.
