The Scotland striker was prolific at Tynecastle last season but it was not enough for the Gers to launch a bid as fans demanded a new frontman, with reports strongly linking him with a switch and suggesting talks had taken place [HITC, 3 September].McKinlay, speaking to Sky Sports News [25 September], admits he was surprised no bids arrived on the table for the 29-year-old – from Ibrox nor elsewhere.
He said: “There’s nothing at the moment and we didn’t receive any offers [in the summer], which surprised me given Lawrence’s performances last season. It certainly didn’t disappoint me because I’m delighted to keep Lawrence for this year, and I hope for longer.
“I don’t see there being a decision to make in January, it looks like Lawrence will see out the last year of his contract, but I’d be delighted to have a conversation if there’s one to be had to see if there’s a way that we could persuade him to stay here longeShankland is yet to score in eight games in all competitions this season, having netted 31 and 28 in each of the past two campaigns.
But that does little to tar the reputation which earned him a spot in Steve Clarke’s Scottish squad for Euro 2024, and which has seen him heavily linked with Rangers.
