Lawrence Shankland Trains Alongside Rangers Captain James Tavernier in Dubai
Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland has been spotted training with Rangers captain James Tavernier during the off-season, fuelling fresh speculation about a potential move to Ibrox. The pair were seen putting in work under the Dubai sun as both players maintain fitness ahead of the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership campaign.
Shankland, who recently captained Hearts to a third-place finish in the league, is enjoying a well-earned break but appears to be staying sharp through individual training. His session with Tavernier has caught the attention of fans, with some interpreting it as a hint towards his long-rumoured switch to Rangers.
The 28-year-old striker has been a consistent performer in the Scottish top flight, finishing last season as one of the Premiership’s top scorers. His performances have attracted interest from several clubs, but Rangers have been heavily linked due to their need for added firepower up front. With Cyriel Dessers reportedly close to an exit and Danilo recovering from a long-term injury, the Gers are actively pursuing reinforcements.
Although the Dubai training sighting does not confirm any formal discussions, the optics of Shankland working out alongside Tavernier have intensified the transfer speculation. Some supporters see it as a sign of developing camaraderie or possibly early chemistry between future teammates.
Sources close to Rangers suggest that Shankland is a name firmly on the club’s radar. Manager Russell Martin, who is preparing for his first full season in charge, is believed to admire Shankland’s leadership, physicality, and natural goal-scoring instinct. With Shankland entering the final year of his contract at Tynecastle, Hearts may be willing to cash in rather than risk losing him for free next summer.
Hearts, on their part, are reportedly keen to keep their captain but could struggle to resist a substantial offer. While no official bids have been lodged, Rangers are expected to make a move should the opportunity arise.
For now, both players are likely to continue their off-season preparations individually, but the training session in Dubai has certainly sparked intrigue among supporters and pundits alike. Whether this will lead to a concrete transfer remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Shankland’s future will be one of the key stories to watch in the coming weeks.