Southampton and Middlesbrough set for potential blow as Rangers keen to strike deal for transfer target | OneFootball

The difference in quality between the Scottish Premiership and the EFL Championship is often debated, especially when it comes to the Old Firm teams and how they'd get on south of the border, but there has been some success stories in England in recent times when it comes to signings from Scotland.

And the latest player to be linked with a switch to England is Lawrence Shankland, who is plundering in the goals this season for Hearts.

The 28-year-old is certainly in demand this month after his form in the first half of the season, where he has scored 18 times in all competitions from just 28 appearances, and they include goals scored in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers as well.

The Scotland international striker has less than 18 months remaining on his contract at Tynecastle, but one of Hearts' divisional rivals are aiming to do a deal for the prolific forward ahead of English clubs.

Rangers want to strike Shankland deal amid Middlesbrough and Southampton interest

According to a report last week from Graeme Bailey of HITC, a whole host of sides had expressed an interest in Shankland ahead of the January window really getting going.

They included Championship teams such as Southampton and Middlesbrough, as well as Hull City, who all seem to be looking at strikers to bolster thier chances of promotion in the middle of the season.

However, they could be gazumped by the threat of Rangers, who Football Insider claim are in discussions over a deal to sign Shankland after they found Fenerbahçe forward Michy Batshuayi too expensive.

The Gers are attempting to chase down Premiership leaders Celtic when the winter break ends, and having let Sam Lammers depart for Utrecht, they are looking into adding another attacking player for the second half of the season and beyond.

And despite already landing Wolves striker Fabio Silva on loan, they also want Shankland, who has proven himself to be a prolific forward domestically for the Jam Tarts in the last 18 months.

Rangers coming to the table to try and sign Shankland could put a hammer blow in the chances of Southampton and Middlesbrough, with the former potentially looking for Che Adams replacements as he is wanted once more by Wolves, whilst Boro are lacking striker options themselves and have seen Emmanuel Latte Lath struck down by injury this week.

Hearts manager admits Shankland could leave in January

Despite being Hearts' talisman and the fact they are midway through a season, there is a chance that Shankland could be cashed in on, with head coach Steven Naismith being prepared for that eventuality if it comes to fruition.

"When you're doing well there's always interest," Naismith told Sky Sports in late December.

"I've always said the Scottish league is not a league that can decide when players leave or when they don't.

"Every club in Scotland has the same idea that at some point players move on but as a club we are in a great situation.

"We've got a great structure, we are trying to be progressive and develop on and off the pitch and Shanks is a big part of that but there's always going to be interest there when you're doing well, I understand that.

"As a club, we are comfortable with the situation and what might happen. We are ready for all eventual outcomes."