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Lawrence Shankland has wasted little time winning over the Rangers support following his arrival at Ibrox, with the striker carrying impressive form into the summer after a series of eye-catching performances for Scotland.
The 30-year-old joined Rangers from Hearts at the end of last month and has enjoyed an excellent international break under Steve Clarke. In Scotland’s recent World Cup warm-up fixtures against Curaçao and Bolivia, Shankland scored three goals and registered an assist, further underlining the confidence he is currently playing with.
Those displays have only heightened excitement among Rangers supporters ahead of the new campaign. After netting 16 Scottish Premiership goals for Hearts last season, Shankland already arrived in Glasgow with a strong record, but his performances in a Scotland shirt have strengthened belief that he could become a key figure for Danny Rohl.
However, Rangers are not expected to stop their recruitment drive there.
The club remain active in the market and are reportedly assessing a move for Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt, a player who could offer a different dimension to the attack and potentially form an effective partnership with Shankland.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Rangers are among the clubs monitoring Gelhardt’s situation ahead of the summer transfer window. Hull City are also believed to be keen on the striker after his successful loan spell helped them secure promotion to the Premier League through the Championship play-offs.
Despite Hull’s interest, Rangers are said to be keeping a close eye on developments and could enter the race should the opportunity arise.
Gelhardt’s future at Leeds remains uncertain. The forward is entering the final year of his contract and is expected to hold discussions with the Yorkshire club regarding his long-term prospects. That situation could encourage Leeds to consider offers rather than risk losing him for a reduced fee in the future.
Reports have suggested a transfer fee in the region of £5 million may be required to secure his services.
From a tactical perspective, Gelhardt could be an attractive option for Rohl. The Rangers manager showed a willingness to alter systems throughout last season but frequently utilised a 4-2-2-2 formation during the latter stages of the campaign.
That approach could suit both players. Shankland has often looked at his best when partnered by a mobile and technically gifted forward capable of dropping into pockets of space and linking play between midfield and attack.
Gelhardt possesses those qualities. His movement, creativity and work rate could complement Shankland’s penalty-box instincts, giving Rangers a potentially dangerous attacking partnership as they look to challenge on multiple fronts next season.
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