With breaking news that Lawrence Shankland is apparently out injured for at least the rest of January, Rangers’ long-running pursuit of him may have been affected.

Word had been that Rangers would open discussions this month with Shankland, but this may be one of ‘those’ injuries to avoid affecting the player’s price tag – Hearts hope to receive over £500,000 if he is to leave this month.

Otherwise it’s a pre-contract, if, indeed, Rangers do finally, at long last make their move on the former Dundee Utd striker.

Shanks’ form hasn’t been good this season, head dropping after not getting his move following last season’s heroics.

If he can get the switch to Rangers that he craves, his form will skyrocket, but it depends on Rangers manager Philippe Clement approving the move, that Technical Director Nils Koppen would negotiate.

Rangers have three strikers currently on the payroll, which is a surprisingly healthy state of affairs, but it’s well-known Cyriel Dessers would like to move on now.

Shankland to replace him?