Lawrence Shankland has issued his biggest ‘come and get me’ plea to Rangers after admitting Hearts are too small for his ambitions and he’ll need to leave to realise them.

Speaking before his side travels to Morton for the final Scottish Cup quarter, Shankland revealed he has a lot to think about and in doing so, hinted hugely that he doesn’t plan to sign a new deal despite one being offered.

He said:

“On the potential of moves and stuff for me a ‘big move’ is something Hearts can’t bring you.”

In short, they can’t deliver on Shankland’s very big ambitions where a talented striker is hamstrung by being at a modest-sized club.

He went on:

“Whether that’s playing in a different country or things like that. There is a lot to consider. I’m at a good age in my career so it’s obviously something I need to think about further down the line.”

Further down the line is of course just over 12 months away, and the Scotland striker will next summer year be completely out of contract, with the final 12 beginning this June, and that’s why Hearts are so eager to tie him down to a new deal.

But he’s gone fairly public to admit that while he is currently happy at his present employer, Hearts can’t satisfy his craving for more.

He’s 28, and he knows his next move is the most important of his career – whether it’s this summer or he leaves under free agency in 2025, the next step will be his prize for a sensational few years with Hearts, and he’s doing everything he can to tell Rangers to make the move, without actually being that direct.

Whether Philippe Clement decides in the summer to make the bid for his signature remains to be seen, but the player himself would snap at the chance to join Rangers.

Time will tell if that’s a chance Clement will give him.