Hearts have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Lawrence Shankland as Beerschot insisted he is not for sale. Robbie Neilson is interested in bringing the Scotland international to Tynecastle this summer to help boost the club's Europa League push.
The ex- Dundee United, Ayr United and Aberdeen forward was top scorer for the Belgian side last term despite their relegation from the Jupiler Pro League, netting five goals from 20 starts. But dropping out of the top-flight had prompted speculation Shankland may look to move back to Scotland.
Hearts have been frequently linked with the 26-year-old in recent years but no move to Gorgie has materialised. And it appears the Jambos could be left disappointed as Beerschot took a firm stance over the Glasgow-born attacker. It appears the club hope Shankland will remain to spearhead their efforts to return to the country's top division at the first time of asking.
