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Hearts raise offer for Lawrence Shankland in bid to fend off Rangers interest

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By Anthony Joseph

Hearts are understood to have made an improved contract offer to Lawrence Shankland in a bid to fend off interest from Rangers.

The Tynecastle club have been desperate to keep hold of the Scotland striker, whose current deal expires at the end of the season.

The Jambos made an initial offer to Shankland, but it was rejected as it would not have made him the club's top earner.

However, Hearts have now returned with an improved offer that would see Shankland become the club's highest-paid player.

It is understood that the new offer is worth around £2 million-a-year, which would make Shankland one of the highest-paid players in Scotland.

Hearts are determined to keep hold of their star striker, who has been in impressive form this season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions.

But Rangers are also interested in signing Shankland, and they could be willing to offer him a even more lucrative contract.

It remains to be seen whether Hearts' latest offer will be enough to keep Shankland at the club.

But it is clear that the Jambos are doing everything they can to keep hold of their prized asset.