HEARTS will need to up the ante if they want to tie down Lawrence Shankland on a new deal.
The Jambos — who could finally have Craig Gordon back in goal at Spartans for the Scottish Cup clash — have tabled a contract extension to their in-demand skipper.
But SunSport understands the offer only hands Shankland a minimal wage rise and will NOT be good enough to secure the 28-year-old’s future.
Gorgie chief executive Andrew McKinlay confirmed this week the club had opened talks with the Scotland international, claiming Shanks “was already in the high-paid bracket at the club”.
And it’s understood the new offer does NOT see the red- hot hitman rewarded with a significant wage hike.
This week McKinlay also revealed that the club had received NO bids for the hot-shot striker – linked with Rangers earlier this month.
Shankland — a doubt for the Cup clash today due to illness — has scored 46 goals in 75 games for Hearts.
The club have also offered new deals to Beni Baningime and Craig Halkett, with boss Steven Naismith left sweating.
He said: “It’s a slow process. They are at that point in their careers where they have big decisions to make.
“We have a lot to offer and we hope they can see that, and they can see the value in staying. We will do what we can.
“The last two days Shanks has been ill. I’m still hopeful he will make the squad. If he doesn’t, we’ll cope.
“We’ve obviously got three games in a week so I’m hopeful we can get him back involved.
“He spoke to the medical team, and like any viral issue, the doc is very keen to keep him away from the environment.
“Hopefully he is not out his bed today. If he opens the door and goes out to move the car all sorts will be getting said! He’s ill, we’ll wait and see. I’ve still got hope he will be involved.”
Meanwhile, boss Naisy could hand Gordon his long-awaited Hearts return today.
The Scotland keeper has not played since suffering a double leg break at Tannadice 13 months ago.
Naismith added: “Craig’s got a chance of playing because he has been back fit.
“Whether he does or doesn’t, we’ll wait and see.”
Alan Forrest has handed the Jambos a boost ahead of the tie by agreeing terms on a new two-year deal.
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Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
