Celtic told they would ‘love’ to sign Hearts star Lawrence Shankland as he nets Edinburgh derby winner

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That price-tag on Lawrence Shankland’s head seems to be growing by the game and John Hartson thinks he would be a worthy signing for Celtic.

The 28-year-old is proving to be one of the best players in the Scottish Premiership this season and he topped it by scoring a stoppage-time winner for Hearts against bitter rivals Hibernian on Wednesday night.

Whilst Hearts fans will still be celebrating last night’s win in the Edinburgh derby, it probably just increases the chances of Lawrence Shankland leaving during the January transfer window. 

With Celtic and Brendan Rodgers looking for attacking quality, John Hartson thinks those at Parkhead would ‘love’ a player like the Scotland star, as he told Go Radio. 

That goal against Hibernian last night means that Lawrence Shankland now has 11 goals in the league this season and 16 in all competitions.

Those are seriously good numbers for a player at the peak of his powers, scoring all types of goals and in the biggest of games. The latest being a stunning left-footed curler.

That’s a reason why John Hartson wouldn’t mind seeing the sought-after player in Celtic colours.

Lawrence Shankland’s future

“Either side could be in for him because you are getting a Scottish centre-forward, a good age, what is he 27 or 28?” said Hartson.

“Scores goals. Scoring goals for fun at Dundee United. He has been doing it for Hearts. The problem is for other teams, whilst he keeps scoring goals, his price goes up. Good for him.

“I am sure Celtic would love a player of his quality and of his natural goalscoring exploits. He does it against the big teams as well. I think he would be an excellent signing. 

“The thing we would all be wondering. What would Hearts want for him? I don’t know how long he has left on his contract. He is 28. Not 21 or 22 anymore. Still a really good age. A really good age for a forward. You are looking to hit your prime in these years now.”

Celtic’s January transfer window

The front two of Kyogo Furuhashi and Hyeongyu Oh are likely going to leave for the Asian Cup games in January, so it will leave Rodgers in a spot of bother.

Even with the duo at the club, there has been talk of Celtic needing to bring in added quality after an indifferent start to the season.

Someone like Shankland, if he is on Celtic’s transfer list, needs to be taken seriously because he has been one of the best attacking players in the Premiership this season. 

For the player himself, he is at the age where it’s going to happen now or never because of his age.

And given that Rodgers is looking for that proven quality, then it’s another box that Shankland ticks.