Andrew McKinlay has revealed that Hearts have not received any proposals or expressions of interest from Rangers for Lawrence Shankland during the transfer window.
Before the two teams’ match to begin the new season, the chief executive of Tynecastle assured Hearts TV that the Scotland striker would stay a Jambo “unless or until” a big enough bid is received.
Light Blues ties have apparently existed for the better part of a year, and with money being made available, Philippe Clement has reportedly decided to reconsider a move before the transfer deadline [Daily Record, 29 July].
According to reports, McKinlay is being considered for the CEO post at Ibrox [Daily Record, June 23], but he dismissed the idea that the goal scorer would travel to Glasgow first.
According to Football Scotland (2 August), he stated: “Is that still being discussed? Yes, it’s incredible that Lawrence is being linked to a Rangers trade as our season-opening game against them approaches. Nevertheless, I noticed this week that he is now rumoured to be joining Celtic.
“Look, as of right now, we still haven’t received any proposals. Not even one piece of inquiry or correspondence pertaining to Lawrence has reached us.
“As of right now, Lawrence is unquestionably a Hearts player, and I believe he will stay that way unless and until a suitable offer is made.” We have a lot of ideas for Lawrence for the upcoming season, and I hope that continues.
Nils Koppen and Philippe Clement have not yet moved with Rangers.
When the final whistle blows at Tynecastle, a major obstacle will be removed if Clement is preparing to move for Shankland. According to former Jambos player Ryan Stevenson, a great showing and a goal from the 28-year-old should make the move to Glasgow almost a “foregone conclusion” [Daily Record, 2 August], but not everyone is as sure.
After turning down every offer of an extension last term, the forward is now in the final year of his contract, but his worth to the team has not changed.
Should his goals propel them to European qualification, Steven Naismith would value him more than a low-ball offer at this time, opening the door for a free transfer to Ibrox the following summer.
Although Shankland is reportedly prepared to seize the opportunity to join Rangers [Scottish Daily Mail, 1 July], it is evident that he is not willing to cause a stir if the opportunity does not arise.
Since no bid was made at Hearts during the January window, Cyriel Dessers is expected to lead the Light Blues line, just as he did during the second part of the previous term.
With Hamza Igamane still in one-on-one training and not yet ready to play, with Danilo predicted by Ibrox News commentator Derek Ferguson to be a few weeks from it, the Nigerian international’s performance in the first few weeks of the season might have an impact [4 Lads Had A Dream, July 30].
However, Clement and Nils Koppen have undoubtedly left it very late if there is a fire at the Shankland transfer smoke.
