Lawrence Shankland, according to media reports, is on his way out of Tynecastle and his way into Rangers.
The move, we understand, is subject to a medical and the transfer, if it is concluded, will leave Hearts’ head coach, Derek McInnes, with a problem to solve. Shankland has been the most prolific scorer for the Men in Maroon since John Robertson.
Basically, how do you replace a quality striker? A rare commodity these days. Also, Shankland is club skipper at Gorgie and a man who had, according to the head coach, a big influence in the dressing-room last season when the club almost won the league title for the first time in over 60 years.
The Glasgow-born forward scored 16 goals in the William Hill Premiership last term in 29 appearances and, according to BBC Sport Scotland’s statistics, he had 37 shots on target and set up three other goals for colleagues.
Shankland is, of course, one of five strikers in the Scotland squad heading west after Steve Clarke’s men square-up to Curacao at Hampden this weekend. It is believed the striker wants a deal done before he steps onto the plane.
And the 30-year-old fits for Rangers. Their chairman, Andrew Cavenagh, wants leaders, preferably home-bred leaders, and Shankland fits perfectly.
He would, however, face competition for a place. Currently, Rangers have £8m man, Youssef Chermiti, Ryan Naderi, Bojan Miovski, who proved a regular scorer with Aberdeen before a failed move to Italy, and Danilo on their books.
Danny Rohl, Rangers’ boss, wants options, and options who can score regularly. Shankland has proved that since he joined the Jambos from Belgian club, Beerschot, in 2022. The statistics read 88 goals in 171 appearances.
It has been a long and winding road for the popular player. Aberdeen, Dundee United in the Premiership, and it was not always plain sailing as Shankland has had loan spells at Dunfermline, Greenock and St Mirren. He also played for Ayr United and Queen’s Park in the lower leagues. Tynecastle has been his platform to success.
Shankland has paid his dues, now he is set to cash in with a big move to a club which consistently challenges for honours. What will Hearts receive in compensation? Who knows, but the move will undoubtedly leave a void at Tynecastle.
What’s more, there are further reports that combative midfielder Cammy Devlin, one of the Gorgie club’s most improved players last term, could be heading for the exit door, with an outfit in the US apparently interested.
IN DEMAND: Lawrence Shankland seen in action against Rangers this season. Picture Ian Jacobs
