Former Baggies man hopeful for clarity on talisman linked with West Brom.

Derek McInnes expects clarity on the future of Hearts talisman Lawrence Shankland, although the striker is unlikely to join The Hawthorns.

The Scottish striker, who becomes a free agent in June and turns 30 in August, was linked with a transfer to Albion in the press north of the border earlier this month.

Shankland has long been linked with a move to England, specifically Albion, following years of prolific scoring in his native Scotland, first with Ayr United and then Dundee United until his current stay in Edinburgh.

The experienced striker’s availability as a free transfer has aroused the interest of several suitors, but it is understood he is unlikely to move to The Hawthorns, with former Baggies player McInnes, who is in charge at Tynecastle, hoping for good news. “I do think that, if it was a no, he would have told us,” McInnes, 53, said when asked about Shankland’s future.

“I do think he sees so many positives from resigning at Hearts, but what we’ve all got to appreciate is, when a player runs his contract down, particularly good number nines, then sometimes there can be other things to consider.

“Shankland’s first two seasons at Hearts delivered returns of 28 and 31 goals respectively, before a more modest haul of just eight last term.

This season, Albion will most likely be in the market for top-flight talent under new manager Ryan Mason. Strikers Josh Maja and Daryl Dike are both in the final year of their contracts at The Hawthorns and have suffered injuries during their time there. Devante Cole, 30, is another option but was rarely used last season.

Last season, the Baggies reinforced their alternatives with loan signings, including Will Lankshear from Mason’s former club Tottenham and prolific Championship striker Adam Armstrong from Southampton.

However, neither scored consistently after Maja’s season-ending injury in the new year.Albion this week made Liverpool defender Nat Phillips their first new signing of the summer.

McInnes, who led Albion to promotion between 2000 and 2003 and has been a manager since 2007, said: “I believe Lawrence, as part of a quality Hearts club, can raise himself.

“I believe he’s capable of scoring 25-30 goals a season in the proper team and situation. “We can provide security.” We can offer team building and being a part of a team that is striving for success.”

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