Ex-Premier League scout 'expects' Rangers to sign rival striker in January as deal will happen on 1 condition
Can Rangers snap up a long standing transfer target from Hearts in January?
Rangers have been linked with a move for Hearts fan favourite Lawrence Shankland for some time now - and a recent report indicates that they could finally land a transfer for the 29 year old.
According to former Manchester United scout Mick Brown, he ‘expects’ Rangers to snap Shankland up over the course of the January transfer window.
The Light Blues have performed below expectations this season. They currently sit third in the Scottish Premiership table with 23 points, putting them 11 points behind league leaders Celtic.
Something has to change - and Brown thinks that many of their problems can be solved by adding an ‘attacking threat’ to their ranks. However, he thinks the transfer is less likely to happen if head coach Philippe Clement is sacked.
Speaking with Football Insider, Brown said: “That’s one I’d expect them to get done. He’s one they’ve been watching for a while and they’re keen to bring him in. So if he becomes available, they’ll push to get it over the line.
“He has a good goalscoring record and Rangers need more attacking threat, and when you consider how long they’ve been after him, it comes as no surprise.
“If they’re not going to make a decision about the manager’s future, then they need to back him by adding to the squad to help them make progress. Because if things stay as they are currently, it’s almost indefensible.
“Something has to change because they can’t keep going the way they have been. If it’s not going to be the manager, it has to be the players, whether that’s with incoming signings or potential sales in January.“
So far this season, Shankland has struggled to find form for Hearts - he has played in 19 games across all competitions, but has scored just one goal during that time. He does have four assists to his name, however.