When the transfer window reopens in the upcoming weeks, Rangers intend to rekindle their interest in Hearts star Lawrence Shankland. Manager Philippe Clement has begun formulating strategies to bolster his team in an effort to reclaim the Scottish Premiership title at Ibrox the following season, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.
After Brendan Rodgers’ Bhoys defeated Kilmarnock 5-0 to win the championship for the third time in a row, the Gers’ hopes of defeating Celtic, their bitterest rivals, vanished earlier this week. However, moves are being made throughout Glasgow to make sure they don’t still hold the local title in a year.
After being named Rangers’ new manager in October, Clement signed a three-and-a-half year contract. He hasn’t wasted any time in identifying priority transfer targets during internal talks with Nils Koppen, the head of football recruitment, to make sure they are on the same page.
Gers Set to Revisit Move for Shankland
According to GMS sources, Rangers are once again in the running to sign Shankland before the 2024–2025 season. Clement, who has been very successful in front of goal, is prepared to test the resolve of Scottish Premiership rivals Hearts with a formal offer when the summer transfer window opens for business.
The Scotland international has scored 30 goals in all competitions this season and assisted his teammates eight more times. His impressive play has placed him in a good position to be included in the side that will represent his country at Euro 2024.
Due to the fact that Fabio Silva’s loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers is coming to an end and that Kenrick Roofe’s £26,000-a-week contract is set to expire at the end of the month—which has led to Shankland being courted—Clement may find himself with few choices to spearhead Rangers’ attack next season.
| Lawrence Shankland’s statistical averages per 90 minutes this season compared to Kemar Roofe and Fabio Silva | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence Shankland | Kemar Roofe | Fabio Silva | |
| Shots | 3.78 | 2.35 | 3.70 |
| Shots on target | 1.39 | 0.59 | 1.45 |
| Crosses | 1.02 | 0.98 | 0.80 |
| Goals | 0.65 | 0.20 | 0.22 |
| Assists | 0.11 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Statistics correct as of 17/05/2024 | |||
The hierarchy has been tasked with trying to work out a deal with Hearts, even though they were frustrated in their pursuit just a few months ago, according to GMS sources, who have been informed that the Gers have found it impossible to ignore the striker’s pedigree in the final third of the pitch this season.
Shankland, who has drawn interest from abroad due to his impressive play, will likely decide at the end of the season what his long-term plans will entail. Transfer insider Dean Jones previously told GMS that Shankland is not expected to decide to commit his future to his current employers at Tynecastle Park.
Despite the fact that Hearts is approaching the last 12 months of his contract, it has surfaced that Hearts’ £5 million valuation of the 28-year-old is unlikely to decline significantly because his strength might enable the Jam Tarts advance to a European competition before the 2025–2026 season.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Despite having four goals in his career versus Rangers, Lawrence Shankland has lost 20 of his 22 games and is still yet to triumph over the Gers.
Dessers and Danilo Edging Towards Ibrox Exit Door
According to GMS sources, there is a growing likelihood that either Danilo or Cyriel Dessers will leave Ibrox this summer. This would make it more crucial to bring in a new striker and increase Shankland’s chances of being among the first names on the team sheet should he decide to take on a new challenge with Rangers.
Though Dessers signed a four-year contract for an undisclosed amount from Italian team Cremonese, the Gers spent £6 million to entice Danilo away from Feyenoord less than a year ago. Despite this, they have failed to lead their team to the Scottish Premiership title and risk being let go.
The offensive pair’s departure would also free up money on the Glasgow heavyweights’ payroll because their contracts let them to take home a combined £53,000 a week.
Hearts manager Steven Naismith has called Shankland “unbelievable,” and according to GMS sources, Clement, a Belgian tactician, is keeping a close eye on Shankland as he attempts to make his Rangers team even more potent come August when the 2024–25 season begins.
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