Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sat 30 December 2023 7:32, UK

Hearts’ valuation of Lawrence Shankland will rule out a January move to Rangers, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed the captain would cost at least £3million if he were to move this winter which would price the Gers out until the summer.

Rangers have already completed the loan signing of Fabio Silva from Wolves for the rest of the season, with the Premier League club paying the majority of his reported £80,000-a-week wages.

Sources have told Football Insider that a move for Shankland after the new year is unlikely unless they increase their budget through player sales.

However, Philippe Clement’s side are keeping a close eye on the Scotland international’s situation in Edinburgh as he enters the final 18 months of his contract.

Hearts have held contract talks with the 28-year-old but he is currently refusing to pen a new deal.

Shankland is the Scottish top flight’s leading goalscorer this season with 11 and has bagged 16 goals and three assists across 26 appearances in all competitions.

Sources have also revealed to Football Insider (28 December) that Rangers are well placed to secure a permanent move for prolific forward Abdallah Sima from Brighton in the summer.

Rangers’ clash against Ross County was postponed due to adverse weather conditions but they will next face Celtic away in a highly-anticipated Old Firm clash on Saturday (30 December).

In other news, ‘A wild take’ – Rangers fans can’t believe Scott Brown’s prediction for Celtic showdown.