Rangers could still pursue a deal to sign Hearts striker on a free transfer in the summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that interest in the 29-year-old has lingered and he remains on the list of potential targets at Ibrox.
Football Insider revealed in November that Hearts could look to cash in on the striker in January in a last-ditch attempt to raise funds from his sale.
Despite this, any deal is now thought to be unlikely before the 3 February deadline, and would be more likely to take place for free in the summer.
However, there have been “second thoughts” at Rangers given Shankland’s age and disappointing form, and they could instead focus on signing a younger option.
Earlier this month, Football Insider revealed that the club are targeting a move for a “hidden gem” who they could sell on for a big profit.
Rangers weigh up Lawrence Shankland deal after new twist
Given the difficult financial position at Ibrox, Rangers have shifted their attention towards possible free transfers to bolster Clement’s squad in the summer.
Football Insider revealed that they are in talks over a pre-contract agreement with 22-year-old Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron who is out of contract in the summer.
Shankland, meanwhile, has been a long-term target and is a boyhood Rangers fan, with his availability on a free seen as a bonus to the Glasgow side.
So far this season, he has found the net just three times across 27 games for Hearts in all competitions – a far cry from last season’s 31 in 47 which earned him the SPFL player of the year award.
