Image source, Getty ImagesRangers, Celtic and Aberdeen are interested in 24-year-old Gyori ETO midfielder Milan Vitalis, who has six caps for Hungary. (GOAL - in Hungarian), external
Image source, SNSChairman Andrew Cavenagh says "Rangers occupies 150% of my thoughts" and he has harboured no doubts about his involvement at Ibrox despite a trophyless first year.
Rangers announced a year ago on Saturday that a consortium of investors, led by American businessman Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, had purchased a majority stake in the club.
Rangers appointed Russell Martin head coach in June, sacked him in October then axed chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell the following month.
Although new boss Danny Rohl managed to resurrect Rangers' title challenge, they finished third after losing the first four of their final five games.
Cavenagh repeated last week's admission to BBC Scotland that it had been an "incredibly disappointing" season that "has left a terrible taste in everyone's mouths".
Asked whether missing out on a trophy despite spending up to £40m on players had at any time in the last year left him asking himself why he had bothered to get involved, Cavenagh replied: "No, is the answer.
"This club gets into you at the molecular level. And, once it's done, you're done. It's happened to me and a bunch of us.
"I don't ever want the use the words 'enjoy' or 'fun' because you can't have a season like we've had and use those words.
"But the challenge is something I relish and Paraag [Marathe, the fellow American who came in as part of the San Francisco 49ers Enterprise consortium last summer and who was vice-chairman for a spell] relishes with the rest of us.
"The disappointment this year is very real for us, but all it's done is provide motivation for us going forward."
Cavenagh added that tasting disappointment would "spur us on to where we want to get to" and "make success sweeter".
Cavenagh has publicly engaged with match-attending supporters at several games, latterly in the final fixture of the season at Falkirk, and has welcomed the feedback.
"My conversations with our supporters, I've really come to enjoy," he said.
"Someone told me I should get to know them on a one-by-one basis. At Falkirk, that probably wasn't the right medium to do that.
"But whether it's in the stands or the streets, we all share certain things like the ambition to win and the understanding that we're not good enough.
"The common goal is the same so there's common ground in those conversations even if there are disagreements over methods."
Image source, SNSDick Advocaat (R) handed 19-year-old Maurice Ross (L) his Rangers debut in 2000
Former full-back Maurice Ross admits he was "terrified" of manager Dick Advocaat at Rangers.
Ross was handed his Rangers debut at age 19 by Advocaat in February 2000 and featured a further 12 times under the Dutchman before his move to a director of football role in December 2001.
Advocaat, 78, is now Curacao boss and set to be come the oldest coach in World Cup history at this summer's tournament.
Scotland face Advocaat's Curacao at Hampden on Saturday in a pre-World Cup friendly (13:00 BST) and Ross is urging Steve Clarke's side to be "careful".
"I'm looking at him now as a 45-year old man but when I was 20 and Advocaat came into the building, he was terrifying," Ross told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"For someone that isn't so tall, what a presence he has. He is an absolute winner.
"Curacao will not be going into this thinking they are going on a holiday. The standout line for me from his press conferences is 'make it as difficult as possible'.
"There will be a solid defensive structure, more so than when he was at Rangers. They will sit in and hit on the counter hoping to score from set-plays.
"He doesn't get beaten often at Hampden, my old gaffer, so we need to be careful.
"I would see him with Arthur Numan [former Rangers defender] and he'd be lovely and kind and gentle but with me, he didn't give me any time. I hadn't earned that level of relationship.
"Off the back of a result, nobody goes near him but the majority of elite leaders are like that.
"I have seen him once since he left and he couldn't have been nicer. A gentleman, a proper football man and somebody I'll be incredibly grateful to."
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has rejected reports that forward Josh Windass could exit for Rangers - and the 32-year-old is not someone the Ibrox club are pursuing. (Daily Record), external
Former Rangers managerial candidate Davide Ancelotti will be presented as Lille's new head coach on Monday but will then return to his assistant role with father Carlo for the duration of the World Cup with Brazil. (L'Equipe), external
Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Rangers have offered Findlay Curtis a new contract as they look to secure the 19-year-old Scotland winger's long-term future after his successful loan to Kilmarnock. (Glasgow Times via Rangers Review), external
Scotland striker George Hirst says Rangers would be lucky to have transfer target Dan Neil if they can get the playmaker to Ibrox. (Daily Record), external
Bojan Miovski is planning to engineer an exit from Rangers this summer as the 26-year-old North Macedonia striker is unhappy at the prospect of being fourth choice after the arrival of Lawrence Shankland from Hearts. (Football Insider), external
Asked about reported interest from Rangers and Wolfsburg, 24-year-old Djurgarden winger Oskar Fallenius says he will only be informed by his agent if there is a concrete offer. (Daily Record), external
Rangers are advancing negotiations over a potential deal for 19-year-old centre-half Akpe Victory from Hungarian club Zalaegerszegi. (TeamTalk), external
Dundee are in no rush to sell centre-half Luke Graham, insists head coach Steven Pressley, with reports suggesting 43 clubs, including Rangers, are interested in the 22-year-old. (The Courier), external
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Rangers academy director Craig Mulholland has been named the Scottish FA's new chief football officer.
The 57-year-old moves back to the governing body having served as English Premier League club Nottingham Forest's head of football development and talent management.
This will be his second spell with the SFA after starting out as a football development officer before progression to senior youth development officer more than 20 years ago.
He then joined Scottish Premiership outfit Rangers, were he spent nine years as academy director.
"I am delighted to be joining the Scottish FA at a critical time for the game in our country, which I care passionately about," Mulholland said.
"We have the World Cup to look forward to and that excitement brings the ideal opportunity to implement positive change throughout all areas of our game, building on the many strengths we have as a nation.
"I have loved my time working in the Premier League, where every day you are exposed to the world's best players and coaches.
"But, when I heard the desire and willingness from Mike [Mulraney], as president, and Ian [Maxwell], as CEO, to really implement an exciting period of growth and change here in Scotland, it was something I was excited about, delighted to accept and privileged to be asked to lead."
Chief executive Maxwell added: "We're delighted to have Craig on board. He was the outstanding candidate from a thorough process.
"This is a critical role within the Scottish FA – and Scottish football in general – so we wanted to make sure that we took our time to find the right individual who can help drive improvements across the board."
Rangers fans, we asked for your views on the signing of striker Lawrence Shankland from Hearts.
Here's what some of you said:
John: Shankland is handy to have for coming off the bench but if he's been bought to be our main striker it doesn't bode well and highlights the lack of ambition and backing from this board.
Steven: "Statement of intent" is hyperbole at best. The statement of intent would have been made two seasons ago but a myriad of poor decisions were made when the obvious choice was right there for all to see - except those in the Rangers boardroom it seems. The positive is that we have a proven goalscorer who knows the league and we've paid little to no money for him. Fingers crossed he stays fit and scores lots of goals for Rangers now.
Graeme: Am I the only one that just doesn't see this being a success? Shankland was a big fish in a small pond at Hearts, but the pressure of playing for Rangers at Ibrox week in week out will swallow him up. Happy to be proven wrong but I just don't see it working out.
Ross: Although it should have already happened, this is a brilliant signing on paper. He brings the experience and leadership this team's attack has lacked for years. This should be the start of an active window I hope, especially in defensive positions seeing as we have partially covered over the attacking issues for now.
Rab: We should have signed him two or three years ago but better late than never. There are plenty of goals in him yet. He'll score the kind of chances we haven't taken since Alfredo Morelos' day. The first of many quality signings, we hope.
Mark: This is a statement signing from Rangers that could help them win trophies again. Shanks for me is the best striker Scotland have.
Garry: Not only a serious sign of intent but a proven goal scorer in our league who understands the requirements of Scottish football. He also shows strong leadership and character, which is badly needed at the club. He could easily take the armband immediately.
Image source, SNSDundee centre-half Luke Graham wants to test himself in the Championship this summer, with Portsmouth, Derby County, Norwich City, Stoke City, Lincoln City, Charlton Athletic and Preston North End among 43 clubs interested in the 22-year-old along with Rangers, Lech Poznan, Jagiellonia Bialystok, Schalke, Valencia, Sturm Graz, Red Bull Salzburg and Famalicao. (Portsmouth News), external
Rangers are set to firm up their interest and make a formal bid for Dundee centre-half Luke Graham over the coming days. (Daily Record - subscription required), external
Lawrence Shankland joined Rangers without a transfer fee, with the former Hearts captain activating a break clause in the three-year contract he signed at Tynecastle last summer. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Rangers' chances of re-signing Mikey Moore on loan this summer have received a boost as Tottenham line up a new left-wing addition in Savinho from Manchester City. (Football Insider), external
Rangers are closing in on a deal for Dan Neil, who opted to join Ipswich City on loan instead of Ibrox in January, but Coventry City are also interested in the 24-year-old midfielder being released by Sunderland. (Scottish Sun), external
Rangers are not close to an agreement to sign Dan Neil, who has Premier League interest after being released by Sunderland, while the chances of 32-year-old forward Josh Windass returning from Wrexham have been dismissed by Ibrox sources. (Rangers Review - subscription required), external
The return of Josh Windass to Rangers from Wrexham is a serious possibility, while the Ibrox club have also expressed a strong interest in 24-year-old Djurgarden winger Oskar Fallenius. (TeamTalk), external
Manchester City are exploring a deal to re-sign Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles, with the 20-year-old, linked with Rangers, set to leave Sheffield Wednesday following their relegation to League One. (Talksport), external
Image source, SNSLawrence Shankland has asked Hearts fans to "understand and respect" his decision to grasp an opportunity he "couldn't turn down" to leave for the club he supported as boy, Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers.
The 30-year-old Scotland striker exits just a year after signing a new three-year contract with the Edinburgh club.
But he posted a message of thanks on Instagram to all the staff and team-mates with whom he had worked during his time there.
"From the moment I walked through the doors of the club, I felt at home," Shankland said. "It has been a privilege and an honour to represent Hearts for four unforgettable seasons.
"To captain Hearts even once would have been special, but to do it as many times as I did fills me with immense pride.
"Leading the team out at Tynecastle was always an incredible feeling - especially last season, when the atmoshpere was truly unforgettable.
"I leave the club having been part of a second-place finish, the club's highest points return in the league, 88 goals, and four seasons filled with moments and matches I will never forget.
"My family and I have loved every minute at the club and meeting so many wonderful people along the way.
"At this stage of my career, the opportunity to join my boyhood club was one I simply couldn't turn down and I hope you can understand and respect that decision.
"Finally, to the fans - hearing my name sung from all four stands of Tynecastle is something I never took for granted. I'll always be grateful for the incredible love and support you showed me through my time at the club."
Martin Watt
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSDerek McInnes asserted at various times throughout the season that Lawrence Shankland is the best striker in Scottish football.
That remains up for debate – but one thing for certain is Hearts' loss is Rangers' gain.
Eleven months after the striker ended a saga over his future by signing a three-year deal to stay at Tynecastle, he has abruptly left to join a direct rival.
The 30-year-old Scotland international's stats make impressive reading. He leaves with an overall record of 88 goals – plus 29 assists – in 171 games for Hearts.
Since his move to Tynecastle in summer 2022, no player has scored more Premiership goals than Shankland, who hit 72 in 135 matches. He is also top in that timeframe for shots and shots on target.
With Shankland in the team, Hearts had a win rate of 49.6% and averaged 1.7 points per game. When he was absent, those figures fell to 41% and 1.41 respectively.
In his prolific debut year in Gorgie, Shankland netted 28 across all competitions. It made him the club's first player since John Robertson in 1991-92 to break the 20-goal barrier in a season – he departs having achieved the feat in three of his four Tynecastle campaigns.
His numbers dipped last term as Hearts struggled, finishing in the bottom six under Neil Critchley, but he has been back to his best this season as McInnes' side fell just short of an incredible title triumph.
Shankland was joint second in the Premiership goal chart – behind Motherwell's Tawanda Maswanhise (17) – with 16 goals, from an xG of just 11.32. The Hearts skipper had the fourth most shots and shots on target, scored 10 of his 21 big chances and was also top five for touches in the opposition box.
Of course, there's more to Shankland than goals. "Proper captain", "huge influence on our team" and "best signing" were other accolades Hearts boss McInnes bestowed upon the skipper and striker.
Link-up play, game intelligence and leadership are all assets Shankland brings to Ibrox and Hearts must find a way of replacing.
Image source, SNSHearts took just 49 words to announce the end of Lawrence Shankland's Tynecastle career.
The striker was a hero in Gorgie, but moves on after four years and will officially become a Rangers player next month.
"Heart of Midlothian can confirm that Lawrence Shankland is leaving the club to join Rangers," the club's statement said.
"The striker will make the move to Ibrox on undisclosed terms once the summer transfer window opens on June 15th.
"We thank Lawrence for all of his efforts during his four years in Gorgie."
Image source, SNSLawrence Shankland says he will always be grateful to Hearts, but is now ready to lead Rangers' drive for silverware.
The Scotland striker, 30, has swapped Tynecastle for Ibrox on a two-year contract with the option for a further 12 months.
Glasgow-born Shankland scored 20 goals for Hearts last season and 88 in a four-year spell.
Rangers passed up the chance to sign him under Russell Martin last summer but head coach Danny Rohl was quick to snap him up.
Shankland, who captained Hearts in recent campaigns, told Rangers TV: "The last two or three years have been huge in terms of development of the leadership side.
"Obviously, it's not easy to be captain, Hearts are another big club, and there are a lot of pressures as well.
"It's a responsibility I feel I've dealt with pretty well. There have been a couple of tough moments in there as well with Hearts that we had to deal with and come through.
"We had a good season last year, but I now come here with all those learning curves done and I feel like I am in a really good spot in my career to join Rangers.
"When you come to make the decision to leave, it's never easy. It was a bit easier, the fact that it's obviously Rangers, but listen, Hearts have been a huge part of my life for the last four years, and I'll always be grateful to them for the opportunities they gave me."
Rangers fans, is Shankland's signing a serious statement of intent as the club look to get back among the silverware? Tell us here.
Hearts fans, where does Shankland's exit leave your club? What needs to happen now? Have your say.
Image source, SNSRangers' expected capture of Lawrence Shankland is better late than never.
That's the verdict of Kris Doolan, a former striker who knew the way to goal himself with over 120 career strikes.
Dollan reckons 30-year-old Hearts captain Shankland is a forward Rangers have been "crying out for for years" and says it makes sense for the club to target the domestic market.
Shankland is set to undergo a medical on Tuesday before completing his transfer to Ibrox.
Speaking on the BBC's Scottish football podcast, Doolan added: "I think he's a brilliant signing for Rangers.
"Rangers at the top are starting to realise there's good players in Scotland and you know don't have to always go and spend millions of pounds to bring players in when you've got a Shankland for instance who knows the league, who knows the clubs in Scottish football.
"You think back to the successful Rangers sides with Kris Boyd, Kenny Miller. You don't have to go far for these guys and to find them in the country.
"So sometimes we overlook the top Scottish players, although it is a sore one for Hearts because he's been outstanding for them.
"He's been one of those players where every time he plays they win. He contributes whether he scores or he assists. His movement's great."
Image source, Getty ImagesRangers aim to open talks with Wrexham over a return to Ibrox for attacking midfielder Josh Windass, 32. (Ben Jacobs on X), external
Lawrence Shankland will undergo a medical today before sealing his switch to Rangers from Hearts. (Scottish Sun), external
Rangers fans, we asked for your views on the potential/signing of Lawrence Shankland from Hearts.
Here's what some of you had to say:
Richard: Would love to see Shankland join Rangers, should've taken him when we had the chance last time, but it almost felt we were too good for him - look how that turned out! Great player, would be a brilliant replacement for Tavernier as captain.
Sally: At 30 years old, Shankland is not a good investment for Rangers. He is a good player, but he is now more prone to injury. Danny Rohl should be looking to retain Nico Raskin and give him the captaincy.
Lex: Can Shankland play at centre-half? Rangers need more than an elderly forward.
John: This is a transfer that should have happened about three years ago. Rangers fans have been shouting about him for years. Pity he had to wait so long, but a great signing
Ian: Hope it's not too little too late, he should have been signed last year
Neil: Get Shankland and make him captain, what an example he'd be to the young Scottish players coming through. Great work ethic.
David: This scenario redefines 'better late than never'. Our inexplicable refusals to try and sign Shankland over recent seasons cost us dearly - almost certainly the title on one occasion. Hopefully, this all falls into place quickly. He's exactly what we need and a ready-made captain.
John: He should have been a Rangers player long before now.
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSLawrence Shankland has shown his leadership qualities with Hearts
There is "a very high possibility" Lawrence Shankland will be handed the captain's armband should he complete his move to Rangers from Hearts, according to former Ibrox centre-half Colin Hendry.
The 30-year-old Scotland striker is expected to make the switch despite agreeing a new contract last summer at Tynecastle, where he has worn the skippers' armband.
Speaking at Hampden Park as he helped launch next month's Refugee World Cup, Hendry said: "He's more than equipped to lead and and that would be a statement right away.
"I would think there'd be a very high possibility of him becoming the captain. I think if you were to talk about how well he did at Hearts in that role then I think a lot of people would say that he's been successful and able to cope with that and everything that's thrown at you in relation to that position and that situation."
As much as Hendry is confident Shankland will thrive it Ibrox, he nonetheless says "it's a shock" to see the move so close to completion so quickly after the end of the domestic season.
"First of all, he'd re-signed for Hearts last season," the former Scotland defender added. "I've spoken to a couple of people there that know more about it and there was a clause that he could leave.
"It would be Danny Rohl's first signing of the summer window and I think it would be great for Rangers. He would be a great asset to Rangers if they get the signature.
"To get him signed prior to going to the World Cup would be good as well because everybody's at ease and then you know it's finished - you know it's all tied up. It's a big, big coup for Rangers. "
Image source, SNSRangers head coach Danny Rohl looks to be recruiting Lawrence Shankland
Lawrence Shankland's pending transfer to Rangers is a "win-win" for the Scotland striker and Hearts, according to Ryan Flynn.
Rangers have agreed a deal with their Scottish Premiership rivals for the 30-year-old, with the move subject to a medical.
And Arbroath midfielder Flynn, previously of Falkirk, Sheffield United and St Mirren, thinks much has changed since a move to Ibrox failed to materialise a year ago.
"I don't think Lawrence Shankland's stock was as high last summer," he tells the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "So, from a business point of view - from Rangers' perspective - they could probably have got him for a fraction of what it'll cost now.
"I'd imagine he'll be asking for a substantial signing-on fee and higher wages now. So, financially, that's not ideal for Rangers.
"But, from a player's perspective, it's absolutely the right move for him. He'll make more money and it's his boyhood club - that's where he wants to go."
Hearts are poised to lose the captain and top scorer who led them so close to their first Scottish title in 66 years, but Flynn believes the Edinburgh club's tie-in with the Jamestown Analytics recruitment model will find a suitable replacement.
"The players will be gutted, of course, but I don't think he'll be the only one leaving Hearts," he says.
"I think the club - under the Jamestown model - has had an outstanding season, and this is only the start. There will be more players moving on.
"To be honest, from Hearts' point of view, yes, he's leaving for a nominal fee - maybe even effectively a free transfer - but keeping him for that year has turned out to be fantastic business.
"They've now qualified for Champions League qualifiers, they've had a brilliant season and they're probably ahead of where they expected to be under this new model.
"Over five or six years, they'll look to build even more, but this European money and success means they're already ahead of the curve. So I actually think, all things considered, it's a win-win."
Lawrence Shankland is flying back to Glasgow from holiday to have a medical and complete a transfer to Rangers, who have offered the 30-year-old striker a two-year contract - with an option of a third - and will join the Ibrox club for free because of a clause in his Hearts contract. (Daily Record), external
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland will sign for Rangers after agreeing personal terms with the club he supported as a boy. (Scottish Sun), external
Lawrence Shankland could overtake centre-half Emmanuel Fernandez and midfielder Nicolas Raskin as Rangers' new captain should the Scotland striker complete his transfer from Hearts. (Football Insider), external
Dan Neil is to hold talks with Rangers as the 24-year-old midfielder comes to the end of his Sunderland contract after finishing the season on loan to Ipswich Town as they won promotion to the Premier League. (Alan Nixon on Patreon), external
Rangers have been told they must outbid Portsmouth, who had an offer rejected in January, if they wish to complete a deal to sign 22-year-old centre-half Luke Graham from Dundee this summer. (Football Insider), external
Rangers rejected Monaco's £10m loan to permanent offer for Djeidi Gassama in January, but the 22-year-old winger and the Ibrox club would be open to a similar offer this summer. (Football Insider), external
Hull City's promotion to the Premier League will make it harder for Rangers to pursue their interest in 24-year-old Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt, who scored 14 goals on loan to the Tigers this season. (Football Insider), external
Volendam midfielder Juninho Bacuna says Steven Gerrard's departure from Rangers prevented him establishing himself on loan at Ibrox, but the 28-year-old is hoping to help former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat steer Curacao to victory in this month's World Cup warm-up against Scotland. (The Herald), external
Former Rangers head coach Russell Martin has travelled to both Italy and Spain to speak to clubs over managerial roles, but the former Scotland defender is also wanted by Leicester City after their relegation to League One. (Alan Nixon on Patreon), external
Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSRangers and Hearts have agreed a transfer for Lawrence Shankland
George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSFormer Hearts striker Ryan Stevenson worries how the club would cope if they were to lose their captain Lawrence Shankland.
The Scotland international is set to join Rangers after consistently being linked with a move to Ibrox in recent years.
Shankland led Hearts to second place this season, with the Tynecastle side missing out on the title to Celtic on the final day. Since joining in 2022, the forward has scored 88 goals in 171 appearances.
"Straight away, you're losing 20 to 30 goals a season if Shankland leaves," Stevenson told BBC Scotland. "You're losing your captain, who is pivotal on and off the park.
"One of Hearts' title rivals is potentially taking their best player. It's a bitter blow. They're going to somehow have to try to replace him and I just don't see how Hearts do that.
"They need to find solutions, maybe that's signing two players. They are going to have to put their money where their mouth is."
Stevenson also feels Shankland could take the captain's armband for Rangers with James Tavernier departing Ibrox after 11 years.
"From Rangers' point of view, what a signing," he said.
"I would be very surprised if he wasn't in with a shout of being Rangers captain too, with Tavernier leaving.
"I think he would score more goals for Rangers than he does for Hearts. If it goes through, it's a tremendous signing for Rangers."
Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer
Image source, SNSLawrence Shankland could join Rangers as captain James Tavernier leaves Ibrox
Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh spoke last Sunday about the club's need for leaders, ideally Scottish leaders and gnarled professionals.
He never mentioned Lawrence Shankland but almost didn't need to. The striker is everything he was describing. Rangers are not particularly lacking for goals - they outscored Celtic and Hearts in the Scottish Premiership in the season just gone - but they need steel and presence and Shankland provides that.
It was evident on Friday that things were moving quickly. It's still not definite - as of now he has not signed and there's still a medical to complete - but everything is heading rapidly in the right direction from a Rangers perspective, if not from a Hearts point of view.
Shankland is returning from holiday and final agreement would appear to be imminent. Pending any departures he would join Youssef Chermiti, Ryan Naderi, Bojan Miovski and Danilo as Danny Rohl's options up front. It's unlikely that all of those will be Rangers players come the start of the season. Shankland, if it gets done, would be the main man.
People with knowledge of the negotiations are being coy about what Rangers are paying Hearts for Shankland. Both sides are not comfortable talking about a supposed break clause in Shankland's Hearts contract that would allow him to leave for nothing, a scenario that would, no doubt, infuriate Hearts fans even further.
Losing their captain and principal scorer is bad enough but losing him for little or no money might be deemed insult added to injury. Right now, the phrases being used are 'undisclosed fee' and 'Rangers paid the required amount'.
Shankland has a prolific record for Hearts against Rangers, scoring both in a 2-0 win at Ibrox in September, getting what turned out to be the winner against them in December and in May, both times at Tynecastle.
He scored against Rangers in a 3-3 draw in May, 2024 and scored in a 3-1 loss and a 2-1 loss in November and October 2023. He's the most prolific scorer Hearts have had since the great John Robertson.
Shankland netted 20 goals for Derek McInnes' team in their near-glory season, part of which he missed through injury. He's pushing hard to start for Scotland against Haiti in the opening game of the World Cup.
For McInnes, this will come as a bitter blow. Shankland and Hearts were at a bit of a stand-off at the end of season 2024-25, a long-running dispute over salary between the club and the player's representatives threatening to see an end of him at Tynecastle.
When McInnes was appointed manager, one of the main items on his list was to keep Shankland. He was insistent he needed the striker and a deal was done. McInnes and Shankland have worked excellently together. Those days would appear to be over. Shankland to Rangers will take a lot of beating as the signing of the summer.
