According to Chris Jack, Alex Lowry is the “obvious” Rangers player to be included if Lawrence Shankland may be traded.
The reporter stated on December 19 in the Rangers Review that it “remains to be seen” if the heavily linked Tynecastle striker, who is currently on loan from Hearts, would play under Philippe Clement again at Ibrox. If this were the case, the journalist would probably be first in line for a part-exchange offer.
Jack, however, voiced uncertainty that such a deal could be achieved considering the possibility that Steven Naismith’s team would prefer money and the quantity of people who would need to support a transaction with players heading in different ways.
“It’s easy to say, ‘Just go and give Hearts a couple of players,'” Jack (6m) stated. That is presuming that the players wish to sign with Hearts and that Hearts must desire those two players.
“Hearts may not necessarily want whichever off-casts Rangers want to get rid of in January if they are going to have a transfer fee and money burning a hole in their pocket.
“The obvious one is Alex Lowry. It is unclear what, if any, future he will have at Ibrox under Clement.
Is a hand full of beans worth two in the bush?
Even if Shankland turns out to be available during the winter season, it appears unlikely that a swap will succeed, and even then, it’s debatable if Lowry is the best choice.
After making an impressive debut for the senior team two seasons ago, the 20-year-old’s development may have halted, but it seems to have picked up with somewhat frequent first-team football in Edinburgh.
While it’s true that a loanee who leaves the team during a management transition frequently finds himself left out of the new manager’s plans, Rangers would be giving up a future asset in the near term.
Though it’s obvious that Clement needs assistance at the top, there’s a good chance he thinks Shankland, 28, is the man who can give it.
After the lackluster summer transfer window, the Belgian coach undoubtedly has a long list of players he would be pleased to let go, but it seems unlikely that Hearts would be willing candidates given the high-profile problems at Ibrox.
Although Ross McCausland has appeared in the interim, it would be a worthy blow to take if Lowry was the only negotiating chip that could make it happen. However, it seems more likely that a Shankland trade will be completed with cash or not at all.
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