Lawrence Shankland Hearts future update as Ann Budge makes one thing absolutely clear about a 'man in demand'

Ann Budge admits Lawrence Shankland and Hearts still aren't "close" to agreeing a new contract but talks are ongoing.

The Jambos skipper has already hit 27 goals for club and country this term and is well on course to smash last season's total of 28. Shankland has made himself a virtual certainty to be in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad for Euro 2024 and barring injury, the debate is now whether he should lead the line for his country in Germany rather than any doubts over selection.

Hearts fans are more interested in what happens beyond the summer. Shankland has 18 months left in his Tynecastle deal and while a club-omposed deadline came and went in January, that was more to Hampden the speculation than anything else, with discussions continuing in the background. Shankland is taking his time to assess his options before committing either way, and while Budge is desperate for him to remain in maroon, she understands his approach.

"It's not definitely close," she told PLZ. "Not at all. He's still got 18 months left on his contract, there or thereabouts, so a large part of it is up to Lawrence. He's a young man and is looking at what's right for his career. He's been fantastic for us and I'd like to think we've been pretty good for him as well. So we're still talking and we'd love him to stay.

"But he's a man in demand, as we know. And I think that's only going to increase. It will be his decision at the end of the day."