The long running saga into the next potential destination of Hearts of Midlothian captain Lawrence Shankland could be about to hot up once more.
The Scottish international is in the final few months of his current contract at Tynecastle, with many clubs expressing interest in his services.
According to Graeme Bailey, Ipswich and Sunderland are the latest clubs to arise as potential suitors for the 29-year-old. Shankland has regularly been linked to Rangers throughout his tenure at Hearts, but thus far has remained in Edinburgh.
Why is Shankland so in demand?
Over recent seasons, Shankland has been one of the hottest properties north of the border, especially since his arrival at Hearts in 2022. He has netted 46 goals in 88 Scottish Premiership appearances for the Jambos.
He broke the magical 20-goal barrier in both 2022/23 and 2023/2024, proving to be one of the most prolific strikers anywhere.
The new lease of life he found at Tynecastle saw him earn a recall to the Scotland squad under Steve Clarke. He’s won 16 senior caps, managing three international goals in that time.
His consistency of performance, coupled with his relentless productivity last season, saw him announced as the SFA Players’ Player of the Season for 2023/24. The impact his form had on his teammates was undeniable, with the feel good factor seeing Hearts qualify for this campaigns Europa Conference League.
While this season he hasn’t managed to live up to the extraordinary standards set previously, clubs in England, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey still appear keen on securing his signature.
Shankland an Expert at Shutting out the Noise
The Glasgow born forward has had to quickly become accustomed to performing well, while confusion surrounding his future rages.
His seemingly permanent link to Ibrox has become the division’s worst kept secret. He also has his admirers in the shape of various clubs from the Saudi Pro League.
Now, with Premier League and Championship clubs weighing in, the fanfare around Shankland is likely to increase ahead of the summer.
There have been opposing clues provided on Shankland’s future by those in senior positions at Hearts. Club CEO Andrew McKinlay hinted that an exit was likely, while manager Neil Critchley insisted that contract talks will take place.
But matters off the field certainly haven’t detracted from Shankland from doing his utmost for Hearts. In a season that started sluggishly with the distraction of the UEFA Conference League thrown in, a top half finish at the split is now a major possibility.
Graeme Bailey spoke to NotTheOldFirm about the Hearts Number 9 maintaining credible focus on playing his football, leaving talk of his future to his representatives.
“Shankland is letting his representatives handle the off-field stuff; he is not going to let that get in the way as he finishes the season and his time with Hearts.”
EFL Championship Looks a Likely Destination
With the news breaking that Ipswich and Sunderland are the latest clubs expressing interest in Shankland, a move for the 29-year-old this summer could see him head for England’s second tier.
The Tractorboys are currently in the heat of the Premier League’s relegation fight, and face an uphill battle to survive. While Sunderland have fallen away in the automatic promotion race in recent weeks under Régis Le Bris, but look good for at least a play off spot.
There is a growing sense that Shankland has earned his right to attempt a new challenge away from his native Scotland. After a spell in Belgium with Beerschot, he may feel the time has come to head south, to pit himself against English opponents.