Lawrence Shankland sits top of Rangers transfer agenda as Philippe Clement readies a big call

Rangers are locked in internal talks about a potential bid for Lawrence Shankland – as manager Philippe Clement threw an olive branch at wantaway Todd Cantwell.

Record Sport understands Clement held a series of discussions with the board with Shankland’s name at the top of the agenda. It’s believed the club’s hierarchy made it clear to the Belgian funds are in place to table an offer to the Tynecastle club for their star striker now that a £2.8million fee has been banked for Sam Lammers.

But, first, Clement must decide if he wants to sanction the move - or use what money is available on alternative targets. Clement previously expressed doubts over Shankland’s ability to spearhead a high pressing team from the front which is why he looked elsewhere during the January transfer window. But he has warmed to the idea after watching his side go on to blow a possible treble with Cyriel Dessers in the No.9 role.

It’s also understood both Shankland and Hearts are aware of Rangers’ interest but the Edinburgh club are determined to stick to their guns over their valuation of the 28-year-old - which means Clement will have to dig deep if he wants to get a deal over the line.

If the manager does decide to press the button on a bid Rangers will be hoping that a fee of around £3m will be enough to tempt Hearts into doing business for a player who is going into the final 12 months of his contract. Meanwhile, Clements insists he’s not closed the door on allowing Cantwell back into his first-team dressing room.

The Ibrox gaffer dropped the bombshell news last week that he’d accepted the Englishman’s request to be transfer listed after revealing Cantwell had TWICE come knocking with an appeal to quit the club.

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