Awaiting Lawrence Shankland's decision, Kevin Nisbet was linked...

After spending a season on loan at Pittodrie, where he led the Dons to European and Scottish Cup success, the striker

recently left Aberdeen to rejoin Millwall.

Kevin Nisbet, a former Aberdeen striker, is reportedly being watched by Hearts in hopes of replacing Lawrence

Shankland should the striker depart Tynecastle.

Given that Shankland is out of contract and has not yet accepted a new contract, Derek McInnes, the new manager of

the Jambos, has requested that a decision about his future in Gorgie be made immediately.

He is considering his options, with English Championship side West Brom and two Saudi Pro League teams keen on

signing the Scotland cap, writes the Daily Record.

Shankland’s best choice, according to McInnes, is to remain in Edinburgh, but he has acknowledged that a decision

must be made “sooner rather than later.” McInnes will play his old team in an alluring Monday night match to start

the new Premiership season.

Additionally, if they are unsuccessful in persuading Shankland to stay in Gorgie, Nisbet, his Scotland teammate and

former Aberdeen and Hibs player, may be considered.

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After spending the previous season on loan at Pittodrie, where he won the Scottish Cup, Nisbet has returned to

Millwall. The 28-year-old is entering the penultimate year of his contract at the New Den as Alex Neil evaluates his

future.

As Shankland negotiations continue, McInnes, a long-time fan of Nisbet, is monitoring his circumstances in south

London.

Regarding Shankland, the Hearts manager told Sky Sports: “I’ve been in constant communication with Lawrence

and have spoken to his agents multiple times over the past few weeks, but it’s clear that he has a lot on his mind.

“Whether we’re the best alternative in Lawrence’s eyes or not, we’ll have to wait and see, but eventually we’ll need to

draw a line, and Lawrence must consider taking care of him while I must take care of Hearts. We believe we’re a

pretty strong option for him.

“Hopefully we can find a solution because he is a player that I think can really thrive with us at Hearts. He’s shown in

the time here how important he is and you try and not let players like that leave the door without putting up the best

fight you can and we’re in the fight for him.

“I believe we’re a really strong option for Lawrence, I believe we’re the best option for him at this moment, he’s got

the World Cup to try and get involved in at the end of next season.

“There are loads of reasons why Lawrence could see this as a good option for him. Hopefully as I say we’re his best

option and at the minute we’re in the fight to keep him.

“Deadlines, in my opinion, are not always constructive and can occasionally be somewhat hostile, but I’ve had

enough discussions with Lawrence.

“There’ll come a point where he has to move on and try and secure his future and likewise I need to make sure that

we secure our squad going forward but we’re not at that stage yet, but sooner rather than later really to try and get

that resolved because I want clarity in what I’m dealing with and I’m sure Lawrence is wanting clarity on his future

as well.”

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