Ian McCall claims Lawrence Shankland was ‘very close’ to joining Rangers

Follow us on Google Discover

Rangers and Celtic are reportedly pursuing striker Lawrence Shankland.

Partick Thistle boss Ian McCall has told BBC Sport that Dundee United striker Lawrence Shankland was ‘very close’ to joining Rangers.

Shankland, 24, was a goalscoring sensation for Ayr United, smashing 62 goals in 73 games for the club, including 34 goals last season.

His contract with the second-tier side came to an end back in June, and despite interest from a host of clubs, he made a shock move to fellow Scottish Championship side Dundee United.

Shankland has continued his scoring form this season, scoring 15 goals in 12 games for The Terrors, and he’s now receiving major interest from elsewhere.

The Daily Record report that both Celtic and Rangers are both keen to sign Shankland, having scouted him in action against Morton on Saturday afternoon.

Dundee United won’t want to sell their star striker, but a move to one of the Old Firm could be hard for him to resist, especially Rangers, having told the Glasgow Evening Times last year that he is a Gers fan.

Now, Shankland’s former Ayr boss McCall has told BBC Sport that a move to Ibrox was actually ‘very close’ last season, but wouldn’t disclose whether it was in January or at the end of the season.

“He’ll go to the top – no doubt,” said McCall. “Rangers were close to taking him and he could play for them, or for Celtic, or down south,” he added.

Rangers are keen again, but with Celtic now challenging them, they may well risk missing out on the Scottish goalscorer, who could be the ideal support to Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe.