Michael Stewart shares Shankland to Rangers transfer verdict live on BBC today

Michael Stewart has urged Rangers to sign Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland during the summer transfer window.

The Gers were reportedly interested in the 28-year-old forward during the January transfer window but a move never came to fruition as Philippe Clement searched for a new striker. [HITC]

That decision seemingly came back to haunt the club on Saturday 18 May, as he opened the scoring during a 3-3 draw between Rangers and Hearts, notching his 30th goal in all competitions this season.

Speaking live via BBC Sportsound on Saturday (18 May, 1:58pm), Stewart said: “If I was Celtic, I probably wouldn’t go for Shankland. But across the city at Rangers, it’s just a no-brainer.

“He would play, he’s far better than Dessers, and he would be on top fitness and sharpness.”

Should Rangers sign Lawrence Shankland from Hearts this summer?

Shankland is certainly a player that the Gers should be focusing on this summer, especially if they want to compete with their Old Firm rivals Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title.

They have only been able to claim one league title in the last decade, and a brand-new striker of Shankland’s calibre could be the real difference-maker next season.

Though Cyriel Dessers has notched 22 goals in all competitions this season, he has also experienced his fair share of criticism for his all-round play, missing several easy chances in front of goal.

Another example of this emerged against Hearts on Saturday, firing straight at Zander Clark despite having most of the goal to aim at, spurning a simple chance before Shankland scored the opener.

With Shankland’s form in front of goal and multiple awards at Hearts, Stewart is correct in saying that purchasing the striker would be a no-brainer this summer, especially with his current contract ticking down.

Any suggestions of Clement’s job being under pressure need to be shut down immediately, with the Belgian having worked wonders.

Not lifting the Scottish Premiership was disappointing, but even being in the race after what Michael Beale did at Ibrox is sensational in itself.

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