Southampton and Middlesbrough set for potential blow as Rangers keen to strike deal for transfer target

Prolific Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland is said to be on the radar of

top Championship clubs, but he could be making the move to Glasgow instead

It is frequently argued that the Scottish Premiership is of a higher caliber than the EFL Championship, particularly

when considering the Old Firm teams and their chances of success south of the

border; yet, there have been some recent Scottish recruits that have had success in England.

Lawrence Shankland, who is lights-out for Hearts this season, is the most recent player to be linked to a move to England.

After his impressive play in the first half of the season—scoring 18 goals in all competitions from just 28 appearances—and included goals in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers, the 28-year-old is undoubtedly in demand this month.

Lawrence Shankland’s Hearts Scottish Premiership Stats 2023-24
Appearances	21
Average Minutes Per Game	90
Goals	13
Assists	0
Shots Per Game	3.6
Big Chances Missed	5
Touches Per Game	45.7
Successful Dribbles Per Game	0.9
Aerial Duels Won Per Game	1.6
Possession Lost Per Game	17.5
Stats Correct As Of January 12, 2024 – As Per Sofascore

Less than 18 months left on the Scotland international striker’s Tynecastle contract, but one of Hearts’ divisional rivals is hoping to seal a deal for the prolific forward before English clubs do.

Rangers want to strike Shankland deal amid Middlesbrough and Southampton interest

According to a report last week from Graeme Bailey of HITC, a whole host of sides had expressed an interest in Shankland ahead of the January window really getting going.

These included Hull City and Southampton, two Championship teams that appear to be eyeing strikers to improve their chances of promotion in the middle of the season.

 

Rangers, who Football Insider claims are in talks over a deal to sign Shankland after finding Fenerbahçe attacker Michy Batshuayi too pricey, could, however, blindside them.

 

After allowing Sam Lammers to go for Utrecht, the Gers are trying to catch up to Celtic, the current Premiership leaders, and they are considering signing an offensive player for the remainder of the season and beyond.

And despite already securing Wolves striker Fabio Silva on loan, they also want Shankland, who has established himself to be a productive attacker domestically for the Jam Tarts in the last 18 months.

 

Rangers approaching the table to try and sign Shankland could deal a severe blow to Southampton’s and Middlesbrough’s chances. The former may look to replace Che Adams because Wolves is interested in him again, while Boro is short-staffed at striker and lost Emmanuel Latte Lath to injury this week.

Hearts manager admits Shankland could leave in January

Shankland is Hearts’ talisman, and even though the team is halfway through the season, there’s a chance he might be traded, and head coach Steven Naismith is ready for that scenario should it materialize.

 

“There’s always interest when you’re doing well,” Naismith said to Sky Sports in late December.

 

“I have always maintained that the Scottish League has no say over when players quit or stay.

 

“As a club, we are in a terrific condition, but every club in Scotland understands that players move on at some point.

“We’ve got a great structure, we are trying to be progressive and develop on and off the pitch and Shanks is a big part of that but there’s always going to be interest there when you’re doing well, I understand that.

 

“As a club, we are comfortable with the situation and what might happen. We are ready for all eventual outcomes.”