Hearts are ready to shell out a six-figure fee to land Lawrence Shankland, according to a report.
Robbie Neilson worked with the Scotland striker during his time in charge at Dundee United and the Scottish Sun claim he is hopeful a deal to take him to Tynecastle could be done within 24-hours. The frontman - capped by his country four times - has been a long-term target for the Jambos boss as he bids to strengthen his firepower in attack.
Liam Boyce and Euan Henderson are the only options for Hearts in the striker position at the moment following the departure of Everton loanee Ellis Simms in the summer. Both have started pre-season well and found the back of the net, but they now look likely to have Shankland on board to help boost the striker ranks. It's been a busy summer in Gorgie to date with Alan Forrest, Lewis Neilson, Kye Rowles, Jorge Grant and Alex Cochrane all penning permanent deals with the club. Neilson has been vocal about adding further recruits, especially in the final third.
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Hearts are set for a huge season ahead with domestic and European football on the agenda. Following last season's third place finish behind Celtic and Rangers and reaching the Scottish Cup Final, the Jambos were rewarded with a Europa League play-off spot. They are guaranteed the parachute of Europa Conference League group stages meaning they will play a minimum of eight games on the big stage this season.
Shankland suffered relegation with Belgian club Beerschot this year, scoring five goals in 26 games following his move from Dundee United.
He still has two years left on his contract with previous reports valuing the hitman at £500,000.
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