Manager shuts down reports surrounding £4.4m+ Gers target who will soon be available on free
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Hearts manager Neil Critchley has rejected claims that long-term Rangers target Lawrence Shankland has been the subject of a transfer bid from Turkey.
Rangers have long been linked with a move for bluenose hitman Lawrence Shankland, who is out of contract at Tynecastle come the end of the season.
But last season's Scottish Premiership Player of the Year has had a tumultuous campaign this time out, Shankland's paltry return of three league goals having a huge impact on Hearts' drastic form.
The form of the Scotland international has also seen those links to Rangers dry up despite Shankland being free to negotiate a move out of Gorgie.
Neil Critchley shuts down Lawrence Shankland reports
With the 11th placed Jambos still yet to agree a new deal for Shankland, reports have suggested a move to Turkey could beckon this January.
Reports coming out of the country had suggested Turkish second tier side Amedspor had launched an ambitious bid for the 29-year-old.
Shankland has of course played abroad before, spending a year with Belgian Pro League side Beerschot before returning to Scotland with the Jambos.
But Hearts manager Neil Critchley has moved to clarify Lawrence Shankland's situation and claims there have been no offers for the Ibrox-linked hitman.
"No, nothing," Critchley told Sky Sports when asked about the reports. "That surprises me. Obviously January, gossip, transfer rumours.
"But no, we've not had anything for Lawrence Shankland."
Rangers refused Hearts transfer ransom
Rangers were strongly linked for a move with Lawrence Shankland last January but any reported transfer interest failed to materialise.
Many Rangers fans believe that a failure to move for Shankland last January had a big impact on the campaign but Hearts were holding firm with a stiff asking price.
The Jambos CEO Andrew McKinlay has since claimed that only a record-breaking deal of over £4.4m would've convinced Hearts to sell Shankland.
The Hearts chief claimed it would take a record transfer between two Scottish clubs, a fee higher than the £4.4m Celtic paid Hibs for Scott Brown in 2007.
Since then the striker's goals have begun to dry up and Rangers were probably justified in refusing to be held to such a hefty ransom.
Now Rangers can effectively sign Shankland for free come the end of the season.
Currently sidelined with a calf injury, Lawrence Shankland has had a difficult campaign and faces a big decision between now and the summer.
Whilst Hearts have intimated they're willing to negotiate with the Scotland striker, we'd be very surprised to see Rangers at the table even on a free.
