Rangers have tabled a two-year contract, with an option for a third year, as they attempt to lure Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland to Ibrox on a free transfer. According to the Daily Record, Rangers officials are in advanced negotiations with the Scotland international regarding a sensational move to his boyhood club.
Break Clause Triggered
The Ibrox side are moving swiftly to activate a clause in the 30-year-old's contract that allows him to leave Hearts without the Edinburgh club receiving any compensation. Shankland signed a three-year deal last summer after being convinced to stay by manager Derek McInnes, but crucially secured a break clause at the end of the first year, permitting him to terminate his contract and move elsewhere.
Rangers are now looking to capitalise on this opportunity and remain confident they will finally secure the Jambos skipper after years of speculation. While discussions are not yet finalised, the Glasgow club is pushing strongly to secure the signature of the devoted fan.
Blow for Hearts
The development will come as a devastating blow to McInnes and the Hearts supporters, who saw Shankland score 20 goals this season, leading the Tynecastle outfit to within touching distance of the Premiership title. However, they suffered a heartbreaking final-day defeat at Parkhead to eventual champions Celtic.
It remains to be seen whether Hearts will respond with a rival bid, but time is limited as Rangers are eager to conclude the deal quickly before the break clause expires. Shankland is currently on holiday and is due to join Steve Clarke's Scotland squad this week ahead of Saturday's friendly against Curacao at Hampden Park, before the 26-man squad departs for the World Cup.
Previous Interest
Former Rangers manager Russell Martin had the chance to sign Shankland on a free transfer last summer but declined. Now, new boss Danny Rohl appears poised to rectify that mistake, having made the 2024 Scottish Player of the Year his top target for this summer. Shankland is expected to be the first of several Scottish signings, with chairman Andrew Cavenagh confirming last week that the club intends to recruit more Scottish players in the coming weeks.
