Hearts need to offer Lawrence Shankland big money to keep hold of him amid interest from Rangers, according to Michael Stewart.
Speaking on BBC Sportscene on Wednesday (27 December, via BBC Sport), Neil McCann said the 28-year-old forward could be the “difference” in the SPFL title race if the Gers or Celtic try and sign him in January.
Responding to that claim, Stewart admitted that he doesn’t see the logic in the Jambos accepting a bid for the Scotland international, adding that the season “rests on him” at Tynecastle.
“From Shankland’s perspective, his position in the club becomes stronger,” said Stewart. “They need to pay big money to keep him. There are going to be suitors out there.
“They need to offer him a bumper new deal. It’ll be the biggest contract because he’s at the peak of powers – he needs to maximise that. I just don’t see the logic in accepting a bid that comes in for him in January. The season rests on him.”
This is a deal that Rangers should be looking to make happen in the January transfer window on the back of Shankland’s impressive form this season.
His injury-time goal in Hearts’ 1-0 victory over Edinburgh rivals Hibernian on Wednesday took his tally to 16 for the campaign in all competitions, with his exquisite finish finding the top corner at Easter Road.
That showed that he is the man for the big occasion and he could do an excellent job up top for the Gers as they look to secure more trophies this season.
The forward not only has an eye for goal, but he is also a fairly big presence and possesses good hold-up play, making him the ideal signing for the Light Blues while he’s in his peak years.
It will take a decent fee to prize him away from Hearts as they will be desperate to keep hold of him, but it could prove to be an extremely profitable move if Philippe Clement decides he could strengthen his squad in January.
