When the transfer window reopens in the upcoming weeks, Rangers intend to rekindle their interest in Hearts star Lawrence Shankland. Manager Philippe Clement has begun formulating strategies to bolster his team in an effort to reclaim the Scottish Premiership title at Ibrox the following season, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.
Following their 5-0 victory over Kilmarnock earlier this week, Brendan Rodgers’ Bhoys were crowned champions for the third consecutive campaign, ending the Gers’ hopes of defeating Celtic, their bitter rivals, to the title. However, moves are being made throughout Glasgow to ensure that the local bragging rights are not retained in a year.
After signing a three-and-a-half-year contract to become Rangers’ new manager in October, Clement hasn’t wasted any time in identifying top transfer targets in internal talks with Nils Koppen, the head of football recruitment, to make sure they are on the same page.
Gers Will Reconsider Their Move for Shankland
Clement’s goal-scoring ability is difficult to ignore.
According to GMS sources, Rangers are once again in the running to sign Shankland before the 2024–2025 season. Clement, who has been very successful in front of goal, is prepared to test the resolve of Scottish Premiership rivals Hearts with a formal offer when the summer transfer window opens for business.
The Scotland international is in a strong position to earn a spot in the team that will represent his country at Euro 2024 after scoring 30 goals in all competitions this season and dishing out an additional eight assists to teammates.
Due to Kemar Roofe’s £26,000-per-week contract expiring at the end of the month and Fabio Silva’s loan spell from Wolverhampton Wanderers ending, which has led to Shankland being courted, Clement may find himself with few choices to spearhead Rangers’ assault next season.
GMS sources have been informed that the Gers have found it impossible to ignore the striker’s pedigree in the final third of the pitch this season, meaning that the hierarchy have been tasked with attempting to strike a deal with Hearts despite being frustrated in their pursuit a matter of months ago.
Transfer insider Dean Jones previously told GMS that Shankland will make a final decision over his future at the end of the season, having also gained interest from overseas thanks to his prolific form, and he is not expected to decide to commit his long-term future to his current employers at Tynecastle Park.
It has emerged that Hearts’ £5million valuation of the 28-year-old is unlikely to drop by a considerable amount, despite him entering the final 12 months of his contract, as his firepower could help the Jam Tarts to qualify for a European competition ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Dessers and Danilo Edging Towards Ibrox Exit Door
Duo in danger of being offloaded after missing out in title race
GMS sources understand that it is increasingly likely that Cyriel Dessers or Danilo will walk away from Ibrox in the summer, which would heighten the importance of drafting in a new marksman and improve Shankland’s chances of becoming one of the first names on the team sheet if he chooses to embark on a fresh challenge with Rangers.
The Gers forked out £6million to lure Danilo away from Feyenoord less than 12 months ago, while Dessers penned a four-year contract when he joined for an undisclosed fee from Italian outfit Cremonese, but they have been unable to spearhead their side to the Scottish Premiership title and are in danger of being offloaded.
The attacking duo moving onto pastures new would also clear space on the Glasgow heavyweights’ wage bill as they are on contracts which allow them to pocket a combined £53,000-per-week.
Shankland has been described as ‘unbelievable’ by Hearts chief Steven Naismith, and GMS sources have been told that he is firmly on Belgian tactician Clement’s radar as he looks to make his Rangers side even more dangerous by the time the 2024/25 season gets underway in August.
