'Never' - Philippe Clement issues response on Shankland to Rangers question

Philippe Clement has refused to discuss the possibility of Rangers moving to sign Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland before the transfer deadline.

The Belgian admitted to Sky Sports Scotland on 29 July that he’s aware the Scotland international is often linked to his club but say he would “never speak about rumours”.

Shankland, 28, is reportedly back on the list of transfer targets at Ibrox after months of speculation [Daily Record, 22 July] after doubts over his price tag and suitability for the style of play [Rangers Review, 24 July].

Clement said (5m 55s): “That’s a name that comes [up] a lot but also other names. But it stays the same. I will never speak about rumours, and for sure not about players who you play against. So nothing to say about that.”

The Light Blues open their Scottish Premiership campaign away at Tynecastle on Saturday 3 August.

Cyriel Dessers and Danilo remain top Rangers striker options

Clement has remained largely consistent in his time at Ibrox in refusing to engage in transfer updates, unlike his predecessor Michael Beale.

With the majority of two transfer windows now passed without a move for Shankland it increasingly feels like it will not be happening full stop, although he is ready to jump at the opportunity [Scottish Daily Mail, 1 July].

But if a transfer was to happen it wouldn’t be a shock if Hearts had no intention of allowing it before the two sides meet in Edinburgh.

Cyriel Dessers’ two goals in the 4-4 preseason draw with Union Berlin, and his comments afterwards about being happy to remain at the club [Daily Record, 29 July], suggests widespread transfer interest in the Nigerian international [Rangers Review, 3 July] isn’t close to resulting in a move.

But while the 29-year-old has shown he can be useful for Clement after 22 goals last term he is surely more suitable as a solid back-up option than a number one goalscorer.

A lot will be expected of Danilo on his return from injury but he has been tipped to be a number of weeks away from top speed by Ibrox News pundit Derek Ferguson.

Sam Lammers has been offloaded to FC Twente and youngster Hamza Igamane is said to be some way off being ready to contribute [Rangers Review, 11 July].

The logic in signing Shankland and his excellent domestic scoring record is obvious, but it may take some more sales being completed and a shaky start to the campaign in front of goal from the Gers to finally spark the hierarchy into action.

In other Rangers news, a three-way transfer battle has been won to snap up another permanent exit from Ibrox.

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