Ibrox View: Rangers handed free run to sign attacker as Celtic agree new transfer

Rangers’ transfer window has stalled ever so slightly following the signing of Robin Propper and Vaclav Cerny a couple of weeks ago.

After a busy week or so at Ibrox, there has been a real lack of movement both in and out of the club as the final couple of weeks of the window get underway, despite an ambition to get deals done.

Most supporters and pundits are in agreement that the Gers still need another striker to support Cyriel Dessers, despite the Nigerian international’s excellent start to the domestic and European campaigns.

One name that has once again been linked with a move from Tynecastle is Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland who is reportedly a target for both Philippe Clement’s side and Celtic [HITC, 30 July].

But the Gers may have now been given a free run at the forward’s signature after a new update emerged from Parkhead surrounding the Hoops’ pursuit of Norwich City striker Adam Idah.

Will Lawrence Shankland exit Hearts amid Rangers transfer rumours?

According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph (12 August), Celtic have agreed a deal worth up to a reported £9.5million to sign Idah permanently after he spent part of last season on loan in Glasgow.

While on the face of it that doesn’t appear to be particularly relevant to the Gers, according to John Hartson, this transfer could end the Hoops’ interest in Shankland entirely.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show (1 August, 50:00) he said: “If they get Idah, then forget Shankland for Celtic I would think.

“I don’t think they need him.”

If Hartson’s assessment of the situation was correct, the pathway may now have cleared for Rangers to swoop in and secure their man without the threat of a potential hijack from their Old Firm rivals.

Whether or not Clement’s side will take that opportunity with both hands remains to be seen.

Despite plenty of speculation, they’re yet to make a real push for Shankland and it isn’t clear if that will change ahead of the transfer deadline.

In other Rangers news, Clement has been told that he should “100 per cent” keep James Tavernier at Ibrox this summer

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