LAWRENCE SHANKLAND is now all but certain to leave Hearts after final negotiations over a new contract broke down.
The Jambos skipper didn’t travel with the rest of the squad as they jetted out for their pre-season training camp in Spain.
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But Tynecastle boss Derek McInnes had been growing hopeful that he would be able to call on the Scotland striker next season, with the club having offered him a three-year contract.
However, after months of talks it fell short of what Shankland wanted and according to the Daily Mail, there was only a minimal difference between the Edinburgh club’s final offer and the previous deal that he’d already rejected.
The Mail’s report claims that Shankland was open to staying at Hearts but only for the right price, and ultimately concluded that chief executive Andrew McKinlay didn’t share his ambitions.
McInnes has already added striker Claudio Braga this summer, and Elton Kabangu’s loan from Union Saint Gilloise was made permanent.
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But the former Kilmarnock manager will demand the search for another number nine is ramped up now that it looks like Shankland is quitting the capital after three years.
The 29-year-old hit 67 goals during his time in Maroon, playing in 136 games across all competitions.
He has been linked with a move to West Brom and mentions of Rangers have never gone away, both of whom would benefit from being able to snap him up as a free agent.
We told you earlier this month that Hearts had made an offer for 19-year-old Nigerian striker Uchenna Ogundu, with a view to him helping to void the void left by Shankland departing.
But reports suggest he is wanted by a number of clubs across Europe, both on the continent and in the UK.
McInnes had previously said on Shankland: “I really feel Lawrence as part of a strong Hearts team can elevate himself.
“I think he’s capable of scoring 25-30 goals a season in the right team and used in the right way.
“We can offer security. We can offer building a team and being part of a team that’s trying to be successful.”
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