Lawrence Shankland representatives make Hearts demand amid transfer swirls as new contract talks kickstarted

Derby day hero Lawrence Shankland is open to new contract talks with Hearts.

The Scottish international still has 18 months left on his contract but the Jambos want to try and strengthen their position by extending that agreement. The 28-year-old would consider any offer but remains content, as he still has significant time on his current deal and his full focus remains on doing well for Hearts and trying to make Scotland’s Euro 2024 squad.

Shankland’s camp have made it clear that if Hearts want to strike a deal then they will need to give him a significant increase. Neil McCann, who works for Shankland’s representatives, speaking on Sportscene, said "They need to get this guy in a room - handcuff him in that room - and make him the highest-paid player at the club. If they don't do it, they're going to lose. An English Championship club will come and take him, or a Celtic or a Rangers. He could be the difference in the title race this season."

There is growing interest in the Premiership ’s top scorer who netted a dramatic stoppage time winner over Hibs on Wednesday night. It saw Shankland take his tally for the season to 16 goals and he is attracting strong English Championship interest.

The current Hearts captain has also been heavily linked with Rangers but Hearts have made it clear it would take a big offer for them to even consider selling.