If a recent report from Record Sport is believed to be true, Philippe Clement has changed his stance on Lawrence Shankland ahead of a potential summer swoop. The Belgian chief dismissed a January move for the striking ace but could revive interest with less than 12 months left in his Hearts’ contract.
The 29-year-old Scotland international progressed through the academy ranks of Queen’s Park before breaking into their senior squad in the Scottish Third Division. He joined Aberdeen in the summer of 2013 but mostly spent his time on loan in the lower leagues with Dunfermline Athletic, St Mirren and Greenock Morton.
Having been released by the Dons following a forgettable spell, Shankland revived his career with Ayr United. He helped them grab a promotion to the Championship and his poaching traits saw him secure a Bosman move to Dundee United in the summer of 2019. The Tangerines earned Premiership status a year later and the Scotsman played a pivotal role by firing in 24 goals in 26 outings.
Although a €1.18m transfer to Belgian outfit Beerschot was far from impressive, Shankland regained his scoring touch soon after returning to Scotland with the Jam Tarts. He netted 59 goals in 94 Premiership games over the past couple of campaigns [stats via Transfermarket] and the Jambos are expected to demand a fee in the region of £3m for the long-term Rangers target.
Why Rangers Should Rope Him In
Despite scoring 22 goals in 54 games, Cyriel Dessers’ lack of all-round ability and wastefulness received strong criticism from the fans and the pundits. Sam Lammers and Fabio Silva (on loan from Wolves) failed to slot in as an outright ‘number 9’, whereas Kemar Roofe’s injury-ravaged stint came to a conclusion when the Light Blues released him upon the expiration of his Ibrox contract. Danilo missed months of football due to persistent fitness woes, also, the £1.7m summer signing Hamza Igamane is too young to step in and deliver week in, week out.
Meanwhile, Clement must generate funds from player sales to reinvest in his squad rebuild. The summer transfers are either on Bosman or for a minuscule fee, and the gaffer must be counting on James Tavernier and Connor Goldson among a host of potential high-profile exits.
Rangers are also in the mix for Tyrese Campbell who is available for nothing after being released by Stoke City. A host of clubs are chasing his signing and the Glasgow giants, therefore, might opt for an experienced as well as proven Premiership striking ace to solve their conundrum high up the pitch.
