Lawrence Shankland gets bumper Hearts contract offer as Jambos prepare to make him highest paid player 'in a decade'

A bumper contract offer has reportedly been put on the table to Lawrence Shankland that would make him Hearts' highest player in "more than a decade."

The Hearts skipper has continued banging in the goals this season and has netted 18 times already, well on course to at least match last season's tally of 28. The Jambos are desperate to tie him down for the long term, with his current contract due to run out in 18 months time, meaning he can speak to other clubs about a free transfer this time next year.

With apparent interest from Rangers and a number of English Championship clubs, the capital club know they need to push the boat out to persuade him to stay. At worst, Hearts can ensure a big fee will be required if suitors are to tempt him away from Tynecastle. However, the priority is not losing their best source of goals since John Robertson, with Shankland on course to fire them to a European return.

Now the Edinburgh Evening News report that club chiefs have tabled an offer that would dwarf anything offered to their stars in the last ten years. Talks are set to continue, but they hope that the significant offer will be enough to convince Shankland his future remains in Edinburgh.

Several other out of contract stars remain in negotiations. Beni Baningime, Craig Halkett and Craig Gordon are all in the final few months of their deals but moves have been made to keep all three beyond the summer.