Lawrence Shankland: Hearts would only consider 'exceptional' offer
- Published
Lawrence Shankland (far right) has been a regular scorer since joining Hearts in summer 2022
Hearts say it would take "an incredibly exceptional" bid for them to consider selling Scotland forward Lawrence Shankland in January.
The 28-year-old has scored 40 goals in 69 appearances since joining Hearts last year and has been mooted as a potential Rangers target.
Speaking after the club's general meeting, CEO Andrew McKinlay said Hearts hope to sign a new right-back.
"We're not looking to sell Lawrence in January," said McKinlay.
"I can categorically say that no one, either agents or clubs or anyone, has said anything to us about Lawrence leaving in January or has approached us. There's been absolutely nothing on the subject.
"If someone comes in with an exceptional bid, and it would be exceptional, then of course we would consider it.
"We have a duty to consider it as a board of directors. But we know, and it's been self-evident in the last number of games, just how important Lawrence is to the club. Hence, it would take an incredibly exceptional deal for us to even think about it."
McKinlay says manager Steven Naismith - who has guided Hearts to seven wins in their opening 16 Scottish Premiership matches - retains his "full support", but has called for a more "dynamic" style of play.
Hearts are currently sixth in the table after back-to-back defeats and Naismith, who replaced Robbie Neilson late last season, has come in for criticism from some supporters.
"I will help Steven in whatever way he requires to give him the best opportunity," said McKinlay. "But Steven is a football person, he understands the job and that it is a results business.
"I understand that people want immediate success but I am confident that Steven can turn the corner. We're talking as if we are down in the relegation zone. We are one game away from being third and we have a game in hand at home.
"I am slightly bemused at some of the things we are talking about because of that but I do understand the frustration, that I share myself, with some of the performances and the style of play.
"Do we want to play in a better style? Of course we do. Do we want to score more goals? Of course we do.
"Our record defensively, which we were criticised for last season, set pieces etc - we've tightened that up.
"We know we have to get better going forward. We know we have to be more dynamic. Steven and the guys are working hard to do that."
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