Updated transfer offer for Lawrence Shankland is confirmed ahead of Rangers vs. Hearts

Andrew McKinlay has confirmed that Hearts have not received any offers or expressions of interest from Rangers for Lawrence Shankland during the transfer window.

Before the two teams’ match to begin the new season, the chief executive of Tynecastle told Hearts TV that the Scotland striker would stay a Jambo “unless or until” a big enough bid is received.

Light Blues ties have reportedly existed for the better part of a year, and with funds reportedly made available, Philippe Clement has reportedly overcome prior reservations to consider a move before the transfer deadline [Daily Record, 29 July].

According to reports, McKinlay is being considered for the CEO post at Ibrox [Daily Record, June 23], but he dismissed the idea that the goal scorer would go to Glasgow first.

According to Football Scotland (August 2), he stated: “Is that still being talked about? Yes, it’s incredible that Lawrence is being linked to a Rangers trade as our season-opening game against them approaches. Nevertheless, I noticed this week that he is now rumoured to be joining Celtic.

“Look, as of right now, we still haven’t received any offers. Not even one note of inquiry or correspondence pertaining to Lawrence has reached us.

“As of right now, Lawrence is unquestionably a Hearts player, and I believe he will stay that way unless and until a suitable offer is made.” We have a lot of plans for Lawrence for the upcoming season, and I hope that continues.

Nils Koppen and Philippe Clement have not yet moved with Rangers.

When the final whistle blows at Tynecastle, a major obstacle will be removed if Clement is preparing to move for Shankland.

According to former Jambos player Ryan Stevenson, a strong showing and a goal from the 28-year-old should make the move to Glasgow almost a “foregone conclusion” [Daily Record, 2 August], but not everyone is as sure.

After turning down every offer of an extension last term, the forward is now in the final year of his contract, but his value to the team has hardly changed.

Should his goals propel them to European qualification, Steven Naismith would value him more than a low-ball offer at this time, opening the door for a free transfer to Ibrox the following summer.

While Shankland is reportedly prepared to seize the opportunity to join Rangers [Scottish Daily Mail, July 1], it is evident that he is not willing to cause a stir if the opportunity does not present itself.

Cyriel Dessers is slated to lead the Rangers line opposite Lawrence Shankland at Tynecastle

Since no bid was made at Hearts during the January window, Cyriel Dessers is expected to lead the Light Blues line, just as he did during the second half of the previous term.

With Hamza Igamane still in one-on-one training and not yet ready to play, and Danilo predicted by Ibrox News pundit Derek Ferguson to be a few weeks off it, the Nigerian international’s performance in the first few weeks of the season could have an impact [4 Lads Had A Dream, July 30].

However, Clement and Nils Koppen have undoubtedly left it very late if there is a fire at the Shankland transfer smoke.