Breaking News:Rangers could now sign ‘£5m striker’ for nothing as CEO makes fresh contract admission

September 25, 2024 philip FOOTBALL 0

Hearts talisman Lawrence Shankland is never far from links to Rangers Football Club.

The Scotland international striker, 29, is a key player for Hearts but a lack of goals this season has contributed to the sacking of Jambos boss Steven Naismith.

In eight matches, the striker is yet to find the back of the net.

With the winds of change sweeping through Hearts, who are currently bottom of the Scottish Premiership, the situation with Lawrence Shankland hangs over Gorgie.

Out of contract and available on a free at the end of the season, Jambos CEO Andrew McKinlay has been discussing the striker’s future.

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Lawrence Shankland to ‘see out’ Hearts contract

There were strong Rangers links to Lawrence Shankland last season ahead of the January transfer window.

The ex-Ayr United and Dundee United striker had hit a rich vein of form – scoring 31 goals in total at Tynecastle last year – and eventually wound up picking up both the golden boot and Scotland’s Player of the Year award.

Rangers’ failure to sign Shankland – who was valued at around £5m by Hearts last January – is often cited as a major factor in the club’s eventual title collapse.

Now, Andrew McKinlay has confirmed that whilst Hearts haven’t received any offers for Shankland, the chance of a January exit this season is increasingly slim.

That’s because the Hearts CEO has revealed that the Jambos believe the forward will now see out his contract in Edinburgh.

▫️ No contract offer on the table

▫️ No bids received in the summer

▫️ He will see out contract as it stands

▫️ Hopes to persuade him to stay on

Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay provides an update on captain Lawrence Shankland’s future ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/BPPTd7EA5T

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) September 25, 2024

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“It’s been widely documented that we didn’t receive any offers,” McKinlay told Sky Sports.

“Which surprised me given Lawrence’s performances last season.

“It certainly didn’t disappoint me because I’m delighted to keep Lawrence for this year and I hope for longer.

“As it stands at the moment, it’s for this year.”

Asked about selling Shankland in January before his contract runs out next season, McKinlay replied: “I don’t see there being a decision to make in January.