Barry Ferguson reveals the Rangers transfer research that gives him Diomande buzz as he takes measured Shankland stance

Lawrence Shankland has been a name rarely out of the headlines of late as talk over his Hearts future continues to rumble on.

The Jambos skipper was left out of the Scottish Cup win over Spartans at the weekend due to illness after social media went into overdrive following the team news breaking. Steven Naismith moved post-match to quash any rumour mills amid Rangers speculation. The Tynecastle club are desperate for their skipper to stay long-term and have put an offer on the table to extend his stay beyond 2025 when his current terms expire.

The subject of the Scotland star missing the 2-1 win at Ainslie Park was brought up on Go Radio with host Paul Cooney asking Barry Ferguson and Peter Grant for their views. The Celtic hero believes it was a 'bad day' for the striker to get a cold and admits it is the type of thing that sets alarm bells ringing. He insists unless the hitman said he didn't want to play he would have started him in the fourth round clash - but stressed you've got to trust Naismith. A view echoed by Rangers legend Fergie.

Speaking on Go Radio, Ferguson began: "Well listen, they asked Steven Naismith the manager and you've got to take that as he is being honest that he wasn't well. There is obviously going to be rumours flying about as there has been a lot of interest in him. Hearts missed him against Spartans, but all the talk is not Hearts going through but Lawrence Shankland was not playing and what is going to happen to him over the coming few days."

Grant added: "It's a bad day to get a cold when it is a cup tie as it definitely sets alarm bells ringing on anybody. Especially somebody like Lawrence who has scored the goals he has done.

"For me, he is a Hearts player and unless Lawrence said he