Lawrence Shankland Hearts transfer speculation is no surprise to Frankie McAvoy as Odel Offiah interest confirmed

Frankie McAvoy insists Saudi Arabian interest in Lawrence Shankland is news to him. But the Hearts boss has confirmed a bid to bring in Brighton defender Odel Offiah on loan.

The Jambos head coach's priority is guiding his side through Thursday's Europa Conference League second-leg, third round qualifier with his team trailing 2-1 and he urged calm and patience from the Tynecastle crowd to get the job done. Speculation over Shankland's future is growing after reports clubs in Saudi and from down south are preparing to lure the skipper with Hearts not keen to sell their prolific goalscorer who would demand a fee of between £3-£4million plus-add-ons.

Shankland already has two goals in three appearances, including a vital strike in the loss in Trondheim last week and McAvoy attempted to put the focus on the attempt to overcome the Norwegians but admitted his prized striker is a man in demand but is going nowhere.

He said: “Joe Savage and Steven Naismith deal with recruitment and transfers. As far as I’m concerned, he hasn’t intimated to me that he wants to move on. I’m not surprised if there is speculation regarding him because he’s a top player and he’s our captain. I would expect interest, if I’m honest, but nothing I’m aware of at the moment. He’s our captain and hopefully he is available to lead our line on Thursday."

McAvoy revealed a move to add 20-year-old Seagulls central defender Odel Offiah is a piece of business which could help to bolster his squad. He said: “We’ve looked at him. He is a big, strong, powerful defender who is quick and he is one we are interested in getting through the door. Joe and Naisy will deal with the recruitment side of things but we like him and, if we can get him in here, we think he