Rangers are ready to reignite their interest in Hearts star Lawrence Shankland when the transfer window reopens in the coming weeks as boss Philippe Clement has started devising plans to strengthen his squad in a bid to bring the Scottish Premiership crown back to Ibrox next season, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

The Gers’ hopes of beating arch-rivals Celtic to the title went up in smoke earlier this week, when Brendan Rodgers’ Bhoys were crowned champions for the third campaign in succession thanks to sealing a 5-0 victory over Kilmarnock, but preparations are being made across Glasgow to ensure they do not retain the local bragging rights in 12 months’ time.

Clement, who penned a three-and-a-half year contract when he was appointed as Rangers’ new boss in October, has wasted no time in identifying priority transfer targets during internal discussions with director of football recruitment Nils Koppen as they aim to ensure they are on the same page.

Rangers are back in the frame to land Shankland ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, according to GMS sources, as his prolific form in front of goal has resulted in Clement being ready to test Scottish Premiership rivals Hearts’ resolve with a formal offer when the summer transfer window opens for business.

The Scotland international has found the back of the net 30 times in all competitions this season, while also providing his teammates with a further eight assists along the way, and it has put him in a strong position to secure a place in the squad which represents his homeland at Euro 2024.

Clement is in serious danger of being left with limited options to lead Rangers’ attack next season, thanks to Kemar Roofe’s £26,000-per-week contract being due to expire at the end of the month and Fabio Silva’s loan spell from Wolverhampton Wanderers expiring, resulting in Shankland being courted.

GMS sources have been informed that the Gers have found it impossible to ignore the striker’s pedigree in the final third of the pitch this season, meaning that the hierarchy have been tasked with attempting to strike a deal with Hearts despite being frustrated in their pursuit a matter of months ago.

Transfer insider Dean Jones previously told GMS that Shankland will make a final decision over his future at the end of the season, having also gained interest from overseas thanks to his prolific form, and he is not expected to decide to commit his long-term future to his current employers at Tynecastle Park.

It has emerged that Hearts’ £5million valuation of the 28-year-old is unlikely to drop by a considerable amount, despite him entering the final 12 months of his contract, as his firepower could help the Jam Tarts to qualify for a European competition ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.