Ibrox View: Lawrence Shankland contract admission will put Rangers on alert

Rangers will be on alert as Lawrence Shankland has confirmed talks with Hearts over a new contract have been pushed back until the summer.

Hearts opened talks with their skipper over fresh terms at the turn of the year, coinciding with strong reported interest from the Gers.

However, speaking to PLZ Soccer [30 April], Shankland implied an impasse was hit and nothing has been discussed in the three months since.

Lawrence Shankland contract latest at Hearts

“The contract talks have obviously stopped,” he said when asked about the latest on his future. “They stopped around January.

“We had a conversation and then decided we’d just move on and assess it in the summer. That’s where we’re at and everyone’s comfortable.

“Conversations will probably be had in the summer. I’m getting into the last year of my contract and there’s always speculation kicking around.

“There will come a time when conversations will need to be had, but for now I’m comfortable with the position and the club are the same.”

Quite how “comfortable” Hearts will be is questionable given that Shankland will be into the final 12 months of his contract come June.

It is not known what Hearts’ valuation was in January, but it will be substantially lower this summer given it is their last big chance to sell him.

Rangers can upgrade on Cyriel Dessers

Not that they will want to sell him, of course, but the club’s hand may well be forced as they know he can leave for free in 2025.

While Cyriel Dessers has had a positive first campaign at Ibrox on the whole, and others have filled in, the Gers could do with another forward.

And not just any forward, but one who has been there, done it and worn the t-shirt after banging them in for Hearts on a regular basis.

Had Shankland arrived in January, it could be justifiably argued that the Light Blues would not be sitting second to Celtic right now.

Whether there was interest there at the turn of the year or not, Rangers quite simply have to go in pursuit of Shankland in the summer.

And with talks over a new deal shelved until the window opens, this is the perfect opportunity for the club to make their move.

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