Dundee United’s Lawrence Shankland has been in the news in the past few days as reports (Daily Record) emerged that Celtic and Rangers were keeping tabs on him. Recently former Ayr United manager Ian McCall went on to reveal that Rangers were close to signing him in January. Shankland had terrific two years at Ayr United which saw him earn a move to Dundee United this season.
Shankland on Rangers rumours
Shankland meanwhile recently revealed that he wasn’t aware that he was close to moving to the Ibrox in January. The 24-year-old said recently, “He (McCall) must have known something I didn’t know much about that, honestly. They (Rangers) might have been watching me last season, but there was nothing stick-on about it.”
Shankland has started this season brightly as he has 15 goals to his name in all competitions. Recently, the Scotsman was rewarded with a national team call up even though he is yet to prove his mettle in the top tier.
Dundee boss on Shankland’s future
Dundee United’s current boss Neilson is aware of the recognition which his forward is getting, but he insists that the club is not going to sell him in January. The manager added: “There is not any pressure on us to sell Lawrence. He signed a three-year contract, which is great for us, and has international recognition so we won’t be looking to do anything until at least the summer.”
Shankland will look to fire Dundee United back to the top tier, and a January move even for a giant like Rangers wouldn’t make much sense from the player’s point of view.
What now for Rangers?
With Shankland’s boss making it clear that they won’t sell their asset in January, Rangers might have to look at other options to bolster their strike force. However, we think that they can afford to wait as Gerrard has two fit and firing strikers in Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe. He can also call upon the services of Greg Stewart who can play in various positions in the attacking areas.
Shankland is a prospect to watch out for, and Rangers should be all over him by next summer. Right now, he should be given a full season with Dundee where he will get to play regularly. Reports (The Shields Gazette) have recently emerged that Shankland could cost somewhere around £2m. Therefore it remains to be seen whether Gerrard would look to pay that much for a backup striker. However, things can change by next summer if Morelos goes on to part ways with the Glaswegian club.
