- Rangers agree deal to sign Lawrence Shankland, subject to medical, after accelerating summer transfer talks.
- Scotland striker set for Ibrox switch after terms reached following return from holiday.
- Danny Rohl targets proven Premiership goalscorer as part of attacking rebuild, with Shankland able to join from June 15.
Rangers have moved decisively in the summer transfer market by agreeing a deal to sign Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, subject to a medical, in what would represent one of the earliest major statements of intent under Danny Rohl.
The Scotland striker has been in prolific form across recent seasons at Tynecastle.
Now he is poised for a switch to Ibrox after terms were reached over a deal following his return from holiday to finalise discussions.
Shankland, 30, has been central to Hearts’ attacking play since joining the club in 2022.
Quickly establishing himself as one of the Premiership’s most consistent goalscorers and a key figure at Tynecastle.
He was instrumental in their 250 day reign at the summit of the league this season.
However, Rangers have now accelerated their pursuit, identifying the forward as a priority target as they look to reshape their attack ahead of the new season after a third-place finish.
Ibrox legends get their wish
“I think you’ve seen what he’s been able to do at Hearts, he leads by example,” he said.
“With Lawrence, the captain of his team, you’ve got to look at these boys. I don’t know how much it would cost
“But if they just can get a deal done there then I would be delighted.”
A year on from Ibrox rejection
The move comes after Rangers, then managed by Russell Martin, previously passed up the opportunity to sign Shankland on a free transfer when his Hearts deal was nearing expiry last year.
Only for the striker to instead commit to a new ‘long-term agreement’ in Edinburgh.
It is understood that a release clause within that contract has now been triggered, allowing Rangers to push through negotiations without a traditional transfer fee.
Although Hearts remain reluctant to lose their captain to a direct domestic rival.
A two-year deal, with the option of a third year, has reportedly been agreed between the player and Rangers.
With the final formalities now expected to be completed swiftly.
Shankland’s arrival would mark a significant addition for Rohl.
The German has prioritised experience and proven Scottish Premiership output as part of his squad rebuild following a third-place finish last season.
The Gers head coach is keen to add leadership and reliability in forward areas.
With Shankland viewed internally as a ready-made solution to spearhead the attack from day one.
Lawrence Shankland fits Rangers’ ‘pro-Scottish bias’
Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh spoke of a pro-Scottish bias within this summer’s Ibrox recruitment plans.
“We have a pro-Scottish bias in the club today,” he revealed.
“Meaning if you have two players roughly equal and one is Scottish, we will take the Scottish player.
“That’s not to say we can just go out and grab 11 Scots off the street and win the title.
“It is a bias towards Scottish players.
“But that doesn’t mean that’s the only criteria we look at to build a winning team.”
Gers strike Jambo blow
For Hearts, the potential departure represents a major blow after a season in which Shankland once again delivered double-digit goals and played a central role in their push for silverware.
They had hoped to retain their captain as they look to build on recent progress but now face the prospect of replacing their most influential forward ahead of a demanding campaign.
When will Lawrence Shankland sign for Rangers?
Shankland, meanwhile, is set to link up with Scotland this week as preparations continue for upcoming international fixtures, before turning his attention to completing his move to Glasgow.
If finalised, the deal would see Rangers secure one of the most proven domestic forwards in Scottish football, while also underlining the scale of change underway at Ibrox this summer.
Should it go through as expected, he will join up with his new teammates upon the opening of the Scottish window.
It officially opens on June 15, with Rangers set to return to pre-season training days later on June 19.
The Premiership begins on the weekend of August 1/2, where Shankland could make his competitive debut.
Rangers then compete in the Europa League on August 6, in what will be the Gers first European fixture of the new season.
