Lawrence Shankland attracts Saudi transfer eyes but Hearts demand top money for star man

In-demand Lawrence Shankland is the subject of enquiries from clubs in England and Saudi Arabia but Hearts are hell-bent on retaining their talisman.

The Scotland international scored 28 in all competitions last season and the Jambos have been notified of interest from south of the border and in the cash-rich Middle East league which has already turned to Jota and Fashion Sakala this summer. The Edinburgh Evening News state Hearts do not want their talisman to leave and would only sanction any exit if their value is met, with a fee in excess of £3m likely to be sought.

Hearts technical director Steven Naismith and head coach Frankie McAvoy are major admirers of the 28-year-old who started Sunday's 0-0 draw with Kilmarnock. He is adored by the Gorgie faithful after his goal-laden debut season which earned him the captains armband. He has two years remaining on his current deal with Hearts adding strikers Kyosuke Tagawa and Kenneth Vargas this summer.

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