In the midst of rumors about a Hearts transfer, Lawrence Shankland responds.

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Lawrence Shankland is adamant that he won’t allow rumors of a move to Hearts impact his ability to score goals.

The Scotland striker, who has scored 14 goals for club and country this season, has been strongly linked to a January move to Rangers.Andrew McKinlay, the chief executive of the Jambos, issued a warning at the AGM last week, stating that it would require a “exceptional” bid to sign the 28-year-old, who is approaching the last 18 months of his contract.

In an effort to deter interest from other parties, the Gorgie club intends to begin contract negotiations with the captain in the upcoming year.Shanks, who is expected to be included in the Euro 2024 team, is expected to score more than 20 goals at Tynecastle for the second straight year after scoring 28 goals in the previous campaign.

And following his goal that opened the score at Celtic Park on Saturday, the striker feels that the rumors of his transfer are evidence that he is performing his job for Steven Naismith’s team.

“I take that to mean that you’re doing well when there’s speculation,” he stated. Throughout my entire career, there has consistently been conjecture around.

It shows I’m accomplishing my goals and performing well at work. I just concentrate on performing my duties for Hearts to the best of my ability.”

The Jambos triumphed 2-0 at Parkhead thanks to a header from Shanks against the faltering champions, their first victory in Glasgow’s east end since 2009.

“I was just focused on hitting the target,” he continued. It all comes down to hitting the target when you’re feeling a little liberated. Winning always makes everything better. It’s much more unique because of that. That was a performance the boys should be proud of.

“Hearts haven’t been there and prevailed in a very long time. We deserved to enjoy those moments, so you should too.”