A humiliating week for Hearts looks set to get even worse.
Lawrence Shankland, who scored the opening goal as the Jambos fell at the final hurdle in the Scottish Premiership title race, is now widely being reported as closing in on a move to Rangers.
The goal at Celtic Park was one of 16 scored by Shankland in the league this season, as Hearts sold their fans a dream by leading the league for 250 days.
And after missing out on the title to Martin O’Neill’s men, today’s news is certainly a blow to their hopes that they will be “back stronger” next season.
Just how badly has the SFA’s VAR audio from the Premiership finale reflected on Hearts…
Hearts face losing captain Lawrence Shankland for free
According to the Daily Record, Shankland is in advanced talks with the Ibrox side in what would be a FREE transfer.
They report that the three-year deal signed by the striker last summer included a one-year break clause which is now being activated by Ibrox chiefs.
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The fact that the club agreed to such a self-detrimental deal certainly adds to the humiliation, and is being seriously questioned by the Tynecastle support.
Danny Rohl’s side are reportedly pushing to complete the deal before Shankland jets off to North America as part of Scotland’s World Cup squad.
Raised in Baillieston, Shankland is a dyed-in-the-wool bluenose. His allegiance has never been a secret in Scottish football.
But how the Hearts support would react to their captain heading off to direct rivals, immediately after their closest title push in 40 years, remains to be seen.
Jamestown Analytics’ database of players has already paid dividends for the Jambos, but the task of replacing a player of Shankland’s level would be a whole new task.
The 30-year-old scored in all three of his appearances against Rangers this season, missing the Ibrox clash in February through injury.
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Darren O’Dea on Hearts’ meltdown
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Darren O’Dea hit the nail on the head regarding how Hearts have handled the last few weeks.
He said: “What I find a bit strange is: when you’re running clubs, and you’re part of the actual infrastructure of it, you can’t deal in emotion.
“What I find weird is [that] Hearts did do it, and then came out later, when you should’ve really calmed down and looked at everything. It’s done, it’s dusted.
“As I said: Celtic won nine of their last ten games. They deserved to win it. I totally get why everyone was rooting for Hearts, ultimately it didn’t happen.
“But this is why I think there’s been so much [backlash] to it. Because it’s just pure emotion. And people need to calm down now.”
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