Hearts ‘considering move for Scotland star' if Lawrence Shankland decides to quit Tynecastle

Scottish Sun

3 hours ago

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HEARTS are exploring alternatives close to home in the event that Lawrence Shankland doesn't sign a new contract.
And in doesn't get much closer than a player who's played for two Premiership rivals - including their most hated.
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Lawrence Shankland scoring for Hearts against Motherwell
Credit: Roddy Scott
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Former Hibee Kevin Nisbet won the Scottish Cup with Aberdeen last season
Credit: Alamy
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Nisbet could replace Shankland at Tynecastle this coming season
Credit: Kenny Ramsay
Shankland's contract at Tynecastle is up and the Scotland cap is yet to decide what to do with his future, with reported interest from West Brom down south and from teams abroad.
According to the Daily Record, Derek McInnes is considering a shock move for former Hibs and Aberdeen star Kevin Nisbet.
The Scotland striker has returned to Millwall after his Dons loan spell came to a close.
It's claimed that McInnes has been a fan of Nisbet's for some time and wouldn't say no to trying to lure him back to Edinburgh.
McInnes said today that he's in constant discussion with Shankland and his agent over a new deal.
But the new Hearts boss insists time is running out and that he wants a resolution soon.
He told Sky Sports: "I'm in constant dialogue with Lawrence, spoke to his agents as well several times through the last few weeks but Lawrence has obviously got a lot to consider.
"We think we're a really strong option for him, whether we're the best option in Lawrence's eyes we've got to wait and see but there'll come a point really that we need to draw a line under it and Lawrence has got to look at looking after him and I've got to look after Hearts.
"Hopefully we can find a solution because he is a player that I think can really thrive with us at Hearts.
"He's shown in the time here how important he is and you try and not let players like that leave the door without putting up the best fight you can and we're in the fight for him.
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"I believe we're a really strong option for Lawrence, I believe we're the best option for him at this moment, he's got the World Cup to try and get involved in at the end of next season.
'There are loads of reasons why Lawrence could see this as a good option for him.
"Hopefully as I say we're his best option and at the minute we're in the fight to keep him.
"I always feel deadlines are not always healthy and sometimes can be a bit antagonistic but there's been enough conversations with Lawrence.
"There'll come a point where he has to move on and try and secure his future and likewise I need to make sure that we secure our squad going forward but we're not at that stage yet.
"But sooner rather than later really to try and get that resolved because I want clarity in what I'm dealing with and I'm sure Lawrence is wanting clarity on his future as well."
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Nisbet celebrates scoring the winner for Hibs in a 2023 derby clash against Hearts
Credit: Andrew Barr
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