Rangers edge closer to Lawrence Shankland signing after new twist - Insider

Rangers are edging closer to the signing of Lawrence Shankland in the January transfer window, with a possible cut-price deal on the cards.

That is according to former Man United chief scout and Sir Alex Ferguson number two Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that they are expected to push to finalise a deal.

This comes days after Football Insider revealed that there is a "real possibility" that Hearts will look to cash in on the 29-year-old.

Shankland's contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and rather than letting him leave for free, it has been said he could be sold in a last-ditch attempt to raise funds.

Rangers have been closely monitoring the striker's situation for a number of transfer windows and are now poised to take advantage of his contract issues.

Meanwhile, Brown explained that their struggles in the league so far this season have increased the need for new additions to be brought in mid-way through the season.

Philippe Clement's side have now fallen 11 points behind leaders Celtic and eight points behind second-placed Aberdeen after a 1-1 draw with Dundee United.

Rangers pushing to sign Lawrence Shankland in January

Despite their struggles, however, Football Insider revealed on 25 November that an immediate decision will not be made about the manager's future.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment including over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the club need to back Clement in the market if they are not going to sack him.

"That's one I'd expect them to get done," he told Football Insider.

"He's one they've been watching for a while and they're keen to bring him in.

"So if he becomes available, they'll push to get it over the line.

"He has a good goalscoring record and Rangers need more attacking threat, and when you consider how long they've been after him, it comes as no surprise.

"If they're not going to make a decision about the manager's future, then they need to back him by adding to the squad to help them make progress.

"Because if things stay as they are currently, it's almost indefensible.

"Something has to change because they can't keep going the way they have been.

"If it's not going to be the manager, it has to be the players, whether that's with incoming signings or potential sales in January."

In other news, major update on Philippe Clement sack today.

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