Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland will not be a Rangers player before the transfer deadline this summer, according to Gordan Dalziel.
The Light Blues are reportedly interested in signing the Scotland international this summer as Philippe Clement looks to bolster his attacking options before the transfer window closes [Daily Record, 29 July].
While Clyde 1 pundit Dalziel believes the striker is a “terrific” finisher, he believes Shankland would have already made the move to Glasgow if it was going to happen in the coming weeks.
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (3 August, 20:15) he said: “I think Rangers supporters need to get away from this.
“I don’t think unless I’m 100 per cent wrong, but I don’t think Shankland is going to be at Ibrox. I think that would have been done and dusted by now.
“Look I’m a Shankland fan, would he score goals at Rangers? All day long. Would he score goals at Celtic? Of course he would, because he’s a terrific player and a terrific finisher.
“But Rangers have to deal with what is in front of them.”
Will Lawrence Shankland exit Hearts amid Rangers transfer rumours?
All Gers supporters will agree that Shankland would be an excellent addition to Clement’s squad at this stage of the summer, but it does feel unlikely that a deal will be struck between now and the end of August.
The Light Blues aren’t flush with cash and while Hearts may have to consider offers for the Scotland international as he enters the final year of his contract, the Gers would almost certainly have to pay a premium.
There is an argument to suggest that Clement’s side just matches the forward’s valuation as his goals could genuinely be the difference between finishing top of the table or losing out to Celtic once again.
At this stage of the summer, a deal does seem a long way away. But things can change at the drop of a hat in the transfer window and should anyone come in for the likes of Cyriel Dessers or Danilo, that could spark a summer move into life.
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