According to the reports from the Scottish Sun, Celtic’s head of recruitment Nick Hammond watched Scottish striker Lawrence Shankland recently. English Championship outfit QPR also had him watched as Shankland bagged a hattrick against Patrick Thistle in the Scottish second tier.
Celtic have been linked with the striker for quite some time now. The striker has got 24 goals and three assists in 24 appearances this season in all competitions. Before moving to Dundee United, Shankland thrived for Ayr United. Reports mention that QPR are weighing up a bid for Shankland in the summer of 2020.
Will Celtic go for Shankland this month?
We believe that Dundee United might not be too keen to sell the striker this month as they are chasing promotion to the top flight. Dundee United boss had also claimed that they are under no pressure to sell their main striker this month. Hence, we believe that even Celtic are keeping track of him to make a move in the summer.
Shankland is yet to establish himself in the Scottish top flight but his goal-scoring record in the second and third division led to him being called up for Scotland’s national team. Shankland has been a goal machine for his sides in the last three seasons, and a move to a bigger league is going to be on the cards in the summer.
Glaswegian giants Rangers were also linked with him and Championship outfit Nottingham Forest. Shankland scored a perfect hat-trick against Thistle recently, and their boss claimed that Shankland could play for any team in Scotland right now.
What can Shankland bring to Parkhead?
Shankland is known for his killer instincts in front of goal, and he is a natural finisher in and around the penalty box. The Celtic target can score all kinds of goals as he is a goal poacher and can fashion something out of nothing. The Scotsman is a willing runner in between the channels, and the striker would be a decent addition at Parkhead. However, the 24-year-old is yet to prove himself at the top level so he might take some time to get going.
Nevertheless, we believe that he could be a player the Hoops should continue to monitor. With QPR also now checking him, it remains to be seen what Shankland might choose for himself after the end of the season. Celtic can offer him a chance to win trophies and play in European competition, and that might help in tipping the scales in their favour.
