According to Steven Naismith, Hearts have backup plans in case Lawrence Shankland, a striker linked to the Rangers, decides to quit the team in January.
The manager of the Jambos, a former great player for Rangers, has also acknowledged that it’s possible that Hearts could be forced to trade their interim captain during the next transfer window.
These are the most recent tidbits of information regarding Steven Naismith, Rangers, and Lawrence Shankland that have been shared with Sky Sports in advance of the impending transfer window.
The 28-year-old Scotland international striker is playing brilliantly, and Shankland is one of many names that Rangers will be considering for a striker next month.
Hearts are “ready” for Lawrence Shankland to leave, says Steven Naismith
Speaking prior to this evening’s Edinburgh derby with Hibs, Steven Naismith asserted that transfer interest in Lawrence Shankland is expected. After answering questions about the striker earlier in the month, the hitman has now netted nine goals in his previous ten Scottish Premiership outings.
Steven Naismith explains Hearts’ position on the player by saying that Scotland’s third-place team is prepared for any situation.
It comes with Rangers captain and former Hearts assistant Lee McCulloch stating that if the Gers turn Shankland’s head, a fair agreement can be reached with Hearts.
According to Naismith, “there’s always interest when you’re doing well.” “I have always maintained that the Scottish league has no say over when players quit or stay in the league.
“Every club in Scotland understands that players eventually move on, but we are in a terrific position as a team. We have a terrific structure, and Shanks is a significant part of our efforts to grow both on and off the field. However, I realize that when you’re doing well, there will always be interest there.
“As a club, we feel at ease with the circumstances and potential outcomes. We are prepared for every possible scenario.
Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay stated during the club’s annual general meeting (AGM) earlier in December that Lawrence Shankland would need to be sold during the next window for a “exceptional” offer.
Striker for Rangers is more of a goal scorer.
The striker problem at Rangers is well known; at the moment, the Ibrox club depends on a rejuvenated Cyriel Dessers to spearhead the attack in Glasgow’s southside. Danilo, a striker from Brazil, is presently recuperating from knee surgery, while Kemar Roofe, a strong but not infallible player, is once more having his injuries evaluated.
Philippe Clement will be looking to get his team to January before making any squad investments with three games remaining before the Christmas break.
Lawrence Shankland, a childhood bluenose, may be a wise addition at the appropriate price. He has Scottish Premiership experience and could be essential to winning the championship. Beyond that, though, Shankland’s impact on and off the field goes beyond his ability to score goals, as Steven Naismith describes below.
He’s important to us, according to Naismith. “He’s a leader who has demonstrated many abilities; he has been the captain since Craig Gordon was hurt.
“He’s got great quality even when he’s not scoring, and I believe he would be the first to admit that a lot of work goes on deeper in the pitch to get him opportunities and supply him with the quality we have done.”
“He’s playing well, and the timing of the season is ideal, but it’s also a good season to be playing well because the Euros are coming up in the summer.” Throughout his career, Lawrence Shankland has been frequently associated with Rangers. The striker made an impression at Ayr United and Dundee United before to a problematic stint with Beerschot in Belgium.
The striker, who is currently in his second season at Hearts, has played in 72 games for the Jambos.
