- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Celtic are looking to make a move for Hearts captain, Lawrence Shankland, with the likes of Everton, Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, Burnley, Southampton, Hull City and Middlesbrough also watching the in-form striker.
HITC Football understands that Celtic will consider a move for the 28-year-old, with manager Brendan Rodgers a confirmed fan of the player.
The Celtic boss has already spoken highly about the 18-goal star when he stated that Lawrence Shankland is a ‘fantastic finisher’ following Hearts’ dramatic Edinburgh Derby win over Hibernian.
Rangers looked at a deal for Shankland before opting for Wolves loan man Fabio Silva, but Celtic remain keen on Shankland.
However, there is strong interest in England and abroad. We understand Everton, Sheffield United, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Hull and Middlesbrough are amongst the clubs who have watched Shankland closely in recent weeks.
Lawrence Shankland a man in form
Celtic might sitting top of the Scottish Premiership table, but that doesn’t show the indifferent nature of the team’s performances this season.
Throughout the campaign, Rodgers has called for more proven quality to be added to the Celtic squad ahead of the window opening.
Someone like Shankland would fall into that category because he could argue that he has been the best striker in Scotland this season – he scored at Parkhead during Hearts’ 2-0 win over Celtic this season.
Kyogo Furuhashi will still be deemed the best because of his success in Celtic colours over the years, but Shankland is certainly turning the heat up.
That’s 13 goals in 21 Scottish Premiership matches, including helping Hearts to a 2-1 win over Livingston on Wednesday, days after his left-footed stunner which helped Steven Naismith’s side secure a stoppage-time winner at Hibs.
Shankland would certainly tick the box for Celtic, especially with some still questioning back-up striker Hyeongyu Oh, who is now off to the Asian Cup games with South Korea.
Lawrence Shankland to the Premier League
The Scotland international is at an age where it’s now or never. At 28, this is the best form of his life and he will be fully aware that he is at the peak of his powers.
Of course, if clubs in the Premier League were to get serious and put offers in for him, then it would derail Celtic’s chances of signing him because of the gulf in finances.
The same could even be said of teams in the English Championship, with all three interested parties mentioned – Southampton, Hull City and Middlesbrough – all pushing for promotion.
There is no doubt that Shankland is worthy of a big move because his performances have been out of this world for a Hearts side that is sitting third in the Scottish Premiership table.
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