Hull City were among the clubs talking with Hearts over a possible deal for Lawrence Shankland late in the window, according to HITC.
Hull City ended up enjoying a busy summer transfer window after some worrying spells over the past couple of months
It was abundantly clear that new boss Tim Walter needed to be backed after some notable sales. Jacob Greaves and Jaden Philogene were among those to move on from the MKM Stadium but gaps have been plugged and the ranks look stronger now.
One area of significant change that perhaps could have done with further additions is up top.
Hull City signed Chris Bedia on loan and Mason Burstow on a permanent deal, However, they are the only natural strikers on the books, leaving Walter a little light on the ground.
Now, HITC claims one man the Tigers were eyeing was Lawrence Shankland.
They claim that all of Rangers, Preston North End and Hull discussed a potential deal with Hearts in the final days of the summer window. The Jam Tarts were demanding around £3m, a price none of the admiring trio were willing to pay.
Shankland’s deal is up next season and could be available for nothing
A proven goalscorer
Shankland has been a player linked with a move to the Championship before, so Hull City and Preston North End certainly aren’t the first to have eyed him.
It’s no wonder either given his goal record in Scotland. For Hearts, where he is club captain, the 29-year-old has notched 59 goals and 13 assists in 100 games for the club.
He has also enjoyed highly prolific spells with Dundee United and Ayr United.
His form north of the border has seen many ask whether Shankland could find a similar level of success in England, but with no move materialising this summer despite late talks, the wait goes on to see what he could do in the Championship.
One to revisit
With Shankland still out of contract at the end of this season, interest in his services could be one for Hull City or Preston North End to revisit further down the line.
His admirers outside of Scotland will be able to strike a pre-contract deal in the winter. Or, if they want to sign him straight away, they could likely reach an agreement for a cheaper fee.
Alternatively, if he plays out his contract with Hearts and remains until next summer, Shankland may well move on for nothing ahead of the 2025/26 campaign
Then, Shankland may well get the chance to test himself outside of Scotland once again after a stint in Belgium. Time will tell if the Championship is his destination though.
