Laurence Shankland transfer news: Rangers in advanced talks to sign Hearts captain | football news

Rangers are in advanced talks over a deal to sign Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland.

The 30-year-old is understood to be keen on a move to the Ibrox club ahead of his departure for the World Cup with Scotland.

Talks are believed to be progressing well over an initial two-year deal, with an option to extend, which would see the striker move from Edinburgh to Glasgow.

Shankland, who scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, has been linked with a move to the club he grew up supporting, but previous bosses have failed to move for the player.

He signed a new three-year contract with Hearts last summer after his contract expired and played a key role in the club’s title bid, which fell short on a dramatic final day of the season at Celtic.

Shankland scored 16 Scottish Premiership goals to earn Hearts a place in Champions League qualification as Rangers finished third under Danny Rohl.

Shankland joined Hearts from Belgian club Biershott in 2022 and has scored 88 goals in 171 games over the past four seasons. He scored 24 league goals in each of the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.

Kelly set to sign new Rangers deal

Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly The club are in the final stages of agreeing a new two-year deal.

The 30-year-old was due to be out of contract this summer but is set to extend his stay until 2028.

He has made just three appearances for Rangers this season, including Jack Butland as head coach Danny Rohl’s No.1.

Despite this, Kelly made Scotland’s 26-man squad for the World Cup.

Kelly returned to Ibrox in 2024, coming through the club’s academy for the first time, and also had spells at Livingston, Queens Park Rangers and Motherwell.

Rangers are expected to be busy this summer as Rohl rebuilds his squad after finishing third in the Scottish Premiership this season.