EXCLUSIVE

Lawrence Shankland: Hearts is ‘best option’ for out-of-contract striker, says head coach Derek McInnes.

The 29-year-old is out of contract at Hearts.

He has been given a new deal, and other teams are also interested. Shankland has 68 goals in 137 games; Hearts have signed six new players this summer, with Elton Kabangu making the move permanent.

Derek McInnes claims Hearts are ‘in the fight’ for Lawrence Shankland and feels staying at Tynecastle is the best choice for him because the attacker has yet to sign a contract extension with the club. Derek McInnes believes Hearts are the “best option” for Lawrence Shankland, but says a decision has be made “sooner rather than later.”

The striker is out of contract at Tynecastle Park and has yet to accept a new term while he weighs his options. Shankland battled for form last season, but he scored four goals and supplied two assists in the club’s final four games, bringing his total to 68 in 137 appearances. The 29-year-old, who has 16 caps for Scotland, has been offered a three-year contract extension, with McInnes eager to keep him. “I’ve been in constant contact with Lawrence and spoke with his agents several times in the last few weeks, but Lawrence has obviously got a lot to think about,” the incoming Hearts manager told Sky Sports News.

“I believe we are a really good option for Lawrence, and I believe we are the greatest alternative for him right now, since he has the World Cup to try and get involved in at the conclusion of next season. “There are numerous reasons why Lawrence may consider this a good alternative for him. Hopefully, as I previously stated, we are his best option, and we are currently fighting to keep him. “I usually believe that deadlines are unhealthy and might be adversarial, but I’ve had enough confrontations 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.” Please use Chrome for a more accessible video player.