Barry Ferguson ‘surprised’ by Rangers transfer stance on Lawrence Shankland

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Rangers have failed to address their need for a new striker over the summer break.

Philippe Clement’s side started their league campaign with a goalless draw against Hearts on Saturday afternoon.

Cyriel Dessers started up front for Rangers but many fans predicted – and hoped – that Lawrence Shankland would take his place this summer. Instead, the 28-year-old lined up for Hearts.

Shankland has been a long-term target for Rangers with HITC revealing that Shankland and Lyndon Dykes were Rangers’ top two striker targets this summer.

But they have failed to strike an agreement with Hearts for the Scotland international, who was hailed as “excellent” by Kris Boyd last season.

Barry Ferguson surprised by Rangers transfer stance

A move to Ibrox looked to be on the cards for Shankland this summer but progress over a deal has been halted.

Now, arch-rivals Celtic could hijack the deal for Shankland as they look to defend their title under Brendan Rodgers this season.

Speaking on the Go Radio football show, Barry Ferguson was surprised that there has not been more of a push by Rangers to sign Shankland this summer.

“I know Rangers fans are desperate to see players coming through the door. I think it’s in the forward areas that Rangers fans want to see a lot of movement,” Ferguson said.

“But Rangers have been open that players need to leave before players come through. But there are areas, certainly in the number nine position, where Rangers need to go and get a natural goalscorer.

“All the talk has been about Lawrence Shankland, in my opinion Hearts’ best player. I’m still surprised that there has been no movement because he is a player going into the final year of his contract.

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“I’ve mentioned plenty of times that Lawrence has improved so much in the last couple of years and I believe that he would do an excellent job for Rangers.”

There is still time for Rangers to strike a deal with the window open until August 30, but with the season now underway they cannot afford a slow start to the campaign.