Rangers seek to complete Shankland deal before Scotland World Cup trip

Rangers are pushing to complete a deal for Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland within the next 48 hours, aiming to secure the Scotland international before he departs for the World Cup with the national team this week. The Ibrox club has identified the 30-year-old striker as its top summer transfer target as part of a significant squad rebuild under head coach Danny Rohl.

Shankland, a lifelong Rangers fan, scored 20 goals in all competitions this season and came within one match of leading Hearts to a first league title in 66 years, only for Celtic to clinch the championship on the final day. Over nearly four years at Tynecastle, he has netted 88 goals and provided 29 assists in 171 appearances. Rangers had an opportunity to sign him on a free transfer last summer but did not make an offer, and he instead signed a new three-year deal with Hearts.

The urgency of the current pursuit is driven by Shankland’s imminent departure to the United States with Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the World Cup. Rangers hope to finalize the deal before he leaves, making him the first addition in what is expected to be an extensive overhaul after a disappointing season that saw the club finish...