Lawrence Shankland has been linked with Swansea City since 2018. On at least three occasions his name has been linked with a move to the Liberty. Initially under Graham Potter who reluctantly withdrew his interest due to Courtney Baker-Richardson finding his feet at the club, and Oli McBurnnie finding the net as well.

In 2019 the swans again were linked with the striker who had turned in yet another prolific 11 months in Scotland with 50 goals in 61 games for Ayr United, but again withdrew interest when the fee requested was deemed too risky. It seemed odd as Shankland had a stunning goals per game record. The lesson of Jason Scotland clearly not remembered. He did sign for Dundee United, and his goals scored record hasn’t faltered, he is still considered a danger man in the top third of the pitch. Last season Shankland score 8 goals in 32 games in the Scottish Premier League, and surprisingly met with criticism that he couldn’t step up to the highest levels in Scotland. Now with his contract in its last season clubs are again circling the goal scorer.

Many journalists believe Shankland knows his limitations and turned down more lucrative moves south to England as he loves playing in the Scottish leagues, and loves living in Scotland even more. Dundee United want £600,000 for their striker, Swansea City won’t pay that amount for a player out of contract this season. The Tannadice club have already officially stated they won’t be low balled by any club for Shankland. In fact we understand that any valuation from the swans won’t reach more than £300,000 but with lucrative add ons on top. At 26 years of age next week Shankland has much to think about, if he wants to test himself at a far higher level then a Championship move seems obvious. However, has Shankland got the desire whilst he plays and scores within his comfort zone ?

Shankland is at his professional crossroads. Russell Martin did inquire about him when at MK Dons last season, unfortunately for him at the time the club didn’t have the funds. It’s likely he now has sufficient leverage to open talks. Martin is clearly very keen to fulfil his own wishes regards players he wants to bring in to the club, obviously all a part of his joining agreement on Sunday afternoon. That seems to be happening, but nothing tangible is evident as yet.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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