Lawrence Shankland in fresh Hearts contract talks as extended Tynecastle stay back on the table.

The Tynecastle club is once again attempting to reach an agreement that would keep Shankland in the capital beyond the summer.

Lawrence Shankland is back in contract talks with Hearts.

The Tynecastle striker has rediscovered his scoring touch in recent weeks, scoring twice in his last two games as the Jambos defeated Ross County 3-1 and Motherwell 3-0 to allay any remaining fears about a relegation playoff spot battle.

Interim manager Liam Fox has reintroduced Shankland to a central striker position, after Neil Critchley played him deeper with limited success.

He now has nine for the season, with six of those strikes coming during Fox’s two brief stints in the dugout.

Shankland’s current contract expires in the summer, and there has been little movement since a large offer was not accepted in January 2024.

Shankland’s form has dipped significantly this season, after scoring 31 goals as the capital club finished third last season.

According to Record Sport, both parties are currently negotiating to extend Shankland’s stay.

Reports of a Chinese offer are believed to be exaggerated, but it remains to be seen whether the player and club can reach an agreement on terms that would keep Shankland at Gorgie beyond the summer.

That could also depend on who the next Hearts manager is.

Derek McInnes has been linked to Hearts, but has denied any contact with Kilmarnock.

He signed – and then fired – Shankland as Aberdeen manager, and he’s likely to want to try to persuade him to stay if he ends up in charge at Tynecastle.

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