Rangers 'interest' in Lawrence Shankland derailed by wild Celtic theory as synchronised thinking points to Hearts star

Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland could be at the heart of a transfer battle between Rangers and Celtic in January.

That is the view of pundits Barry Ferguson and Peter Grant with the duo feeling that BOTH Glasgow giants need additional firepower. Shankland was the hero for Scotland in Tbilisi as he climbed off the bench to rescue a point in Euro 2024 qualification for Steve Clarke's side - which will only see the Jambos increase their valuation of their star man and stand-in captain with the winter window approaching.

But with Rangers summer recruits yet to find top gear at Ibrox, Ferguson reckons that there will be "interest" from the Light Blues, while former Hoops star Grant believes the 28-year-old could offer a solution to Brendan Rodgers problems with the Asian Cup fast approaching. Both Kyogo Furuhashi and Hyeongyu Oh look set to be called up by Japan and South Korea respectively for the tournament in January and Brendan Rodgers has freely admitted he may try to sign a striker to cover them.

Grant told the Go Radio Football Show: "If he was playing for a Celtic or Rangers he would be in the (Scotland) squad constantly. I think his all round game has improved (at Hearts) but I'm delighted to see him back scoring goals, because that is what he does exceptionally well."

Ferguson chimed in: "I think he has matured into a very good centre-forward. He has matured into a really impressive centre-forward. It's not just his goals but it's his all-round play."

Pressed on if he could be a Christmas present for Philippe Clement, Ferguson went on: "I think there will be interest in him. Whether it is Rangers, whether it's Celtic or elsewhere. I would certainly be looking at him."

Former Celtic hero Grant cut in: “If you