Rangers urged to seal Lawrence Shankland cut-price transfer despite Hearts woes

Lawrence Shankland has found the net just ONCE all season. But Alan Hutton reckons a move to Rangers should still be a no-brainer.

The PFA Scotland Player of the Year slammed in 33 goals last term but has struggled to convert his chances during the current campaign. Shankland is out of contract next summer and with no contract extension on the table, the frontman looks set to depart Hearts after rejecting two deals at the start of the year.

The 29-year-old drew a blank at Ibrox on Sunday as he endures the biggest goal drought of his career. But ex-Gers defender Hutton believes Philippe Clement should still launch a January swoop after passing up the opportunity during the summer.

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He told the Scottish Football Social Club: "They should have done it before. Of course, I would still take him. You don't become a bad player overnight.

"I have always said he's getting in the right areas, he's probably just snatching at things a little bit. He feels that he needs to, as captain, be that guy and it is just not quite happening for him. He is a good player and I would go and get him. In a Rangers team he would score goals."

Cyriel Dessers sunk Hearts with a first-half winner at the weekend but Hutton remains unconvinced the much-maligned Nigerian has the tools to fire Gers to title glory.

He said: "At this moment in time no. There is no getting away from that. I get that but Rangers are where they are. We've spoken about it all season. We understand they are not where they want to be but unfortunately they are, so you have to deal with it."