Lawrence Shankland tells Aberdeen that Hearts are the biggest club he has played for

Lawrence Shankland knows he's set for another summer in the headlines as speculation ramps up over his future.

But the 30-goal striker has made it clear he's planning to stay at Hearts for at least another campaign - unless the Jambos accept a bid for him. Shanks picked up his fifth personal gong of the season after being crowned SFWA Player of the Year. It's a remarkable achievement, especially for a player not involved with the Old Firm.

Shankland's future is up in the air after knocking back two contract offers from the Jambos, with his current deal set to expire next May. The 28-year-old recently admitted he'd fancy another crack abroad - having spent a year in Belgium - but hasn't ruled out extending his stay at Tynecastle.

However, with the Euros just around the corner, Shankland has put transfer rumours to the back of his mind as the the Scotland star said: “For me, I am here. I am contracted to Hearts for another season. My mindset wouldn't change from that until the day comes when Hearts say: ‘We're punting you!’ Of course, we've got the Euros but when I come back and get involved it will be straightforward.”

Whatever happens, Shankland will always be thankful to the Jambos for shelling out a six-figure fee to sign him from Beerschot. He said: “I think it is the opportunity they have given me to play. It's the biggest club in Scotland that I've played for. On the back of my spell in Belgium, people had raised eyebrows when they did sign me. The chance they have given me to show what I can do, the opportunities and the platform. That's the biggest thing.”

As a former Aberdeen player, Shankland is fully aware his remarks that Hearts are a bigger club won't go down well in Pittodrie. He laughed: “I mean that. I'm not popular up there anyway. I've no pals up there so I can deal with that."