According to the latest reports from the Scottish Sun, English Championship outfit Nottingham Forest are planning to make a move on Scottish striker Lawrence Shankland. It is believed that Forest’s representatives were present in attendance to see Dundee United take on Dundee where Shankland scored his 19th goal of the season.
Around a month ago, reports had emerged that Rangers are also monitoring his situation along with Celtic. The 24-year-old has been in brilliant form in the past few years in the Scottish lower divisions. His form for Ayr United was extraordinary, to say the least, as he bagged 61 goals and 24 assists in 73 appearances for them.
He moved on to join United in the summer, and he already has 19 goals and two assists in 18 appearances for them. Shankland has even earned a callup to the national team, and he bagged a goal as well against San Marino.
Dundee United’s current boss Neilson had already indicated that Shankland wouldn’t leave the club in January. However, Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi wants a striker who will compete for first-team places with Lewis Grabban. Even though Neilson had indicated that they are under no pressure to sell in January, a £2m bid could be hard to resist.
What is likely to happen in terms of Rangers’ interest?
Gerrard has two terrific strikers in the form of Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe who have done exceedingly well so far this season. Morelos though has continued to attract interest from some of the big leagues. However, we think that he is unlikely to leave in January. Nevertheless, Gerrard should be on the lookout for a striker for the future and Shankland could be a decent bet worth going after.
However, Gerrard has already indicated that his club wouldn’t do too much business in terms of incoming transfers in January. Therefore we aren’t expecting Rangers to compete with Nottingham Forest for Shankland in January. However, if Shankland stays put with United, then the Gers could probably target him in the summer of 2020.
A blow for Gerrard?
Nottingham Forest entering the race is definitely a blow for Rangers and Gerrard. Moreover, Forest are looking like genuine contenders for the playoff spots as they are sitting on the fifth spot, three points behind second-placed Preston. Hence, if Forest are in a good position even in January, then Shankland’s head could probably turn to move to the English Championship outfit. A concrete £2m offer could also be tough for United to ignore as well.
