Lawrence Shankland has been amongst the most prominent names tipped to fill the Rangers striker void but the latest news suggests Hearts’ valuation has already deterred Rangers.
At least that’s according to established journalist Pete O’Rourke who – writing in Football Insider – has suggested the striker is financially out of the Ibrox club’s reach.
Rangers ruled out of Lawrence Shankland hunt
O’Rourke claims that Hearts want £3m for Lawrence Shankland and as a result Rangers would not be able to move for the Scotland international until the summer.
That is unless Rangers receive can shift out any of the underperforming players in their squad, with a spotlight shining on Cyriel Dessers in particular.
The report has also claimed that – despite suggestions Hearts are to open contract discussions with the 28-year-old – the striker is not currently interested in signing a new deal.
Hearts have also been linked with investing in a new striker with the intention of partnering Shankland in Edinburgh.
The claims come amid much chatter surrounding the striker, with Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay claiming only an “extraordinary” offer will tempt his club to sell the Tynecastle talisman.
Whilst £3m doesn’t quite represent an “extraordinary” amount for the hitman – who has 18 months left on his deal – Rangers invested £21m into the club’s squad in the summer.
Sunderland linked to Hearts striker
Rangers are also not the only club who’re reportedly interested in Lawrence Shankland, with mentions of Sunderland and Michael Beale likely to turn Ibrox heads.
The Black Cats have been mentioned as potential suitors of the striker by high-profile Hearts fan broadcaster Ewen Cameron amid rumours spreading on social media.
The ex-Ibrox manager invested a combined £14m to sign Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers, and Danilo in the summer but Rangers have not got a suitable return on any of the trio.
For the new Black Cats boss to then swoop in and sign Lawrence Shankland, it’d represent a final blow to Rangers fans who’re still not convinced of the club’s summer business.
With Fabio Silva already in through the door on loan from Wolves, there is more business expected to be done with a striker top of the wishlist.
But if it’s not going to be Lawrence Shankland, Rangers fans will be left scratching their heads over who might come in to boost the squad instead.
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