How likely West Brom are of signing Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland | OneFootball

West Brom were linked with a move for Lawrence Shankland earlier this summer

West Brom are unlikely to secure the signing of Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland this summer.

According to Express & Star, the forward is not currently closing in on a deal to move to the Championship side.

The 29-year-old is out of contract with the Premiership side at the end of the month, leading to speculation over his immediate future.

Shankland signed for Hearts in the summer of 2022, and has been a key figure for the team in that time, contributing 52 goals from 106 league appearances.

West Brom’s Lawrence Shankland pursuit

It was reported earlier this summer by The Scottish Sun that Shankland had emerged as a target for West Brom amid uncertainty over his Hearts future.

However, it is now understood that the Baggies are not thought to be close to signing the forward.

Ryan Mason will be looking to bolster his side for the new Championship season, especially with players now returning for pre-season.

But it is believed that Shankland is not a target at this time, and that he will not be making the switch to the Hawthorns.

Hearts manager Derek McInnes claimed earlier this week that a decision on Shankland’s future is expected soon.

He is hopeful that an agreement can be found to extend the striker’s stay with the Scottish side, so that he will be in the team next season.

West Brom’s summer plans

Mason was appointed as the new West Brom manager earlier this month, replacing Tony Mowbray in the dugout.

This will be his first role as a permanent manager, with this summer representing his first opportunity to make use of the transfer window.

The Baggies have already completed a move to sign Nat Phillips from Liverpool in a deal worth around £3 million, per The Athletic.

West Brom will get their Championship season underway on 9 August with a home clash against Blackburn Rovers.

Shankland opportunity could have been promising

West Brom have Josh Maja and Daryl Dike, so aren’t in an immediate need of a new forward, provided the pair can actually stay fit.

But they are both coming into the final year of their respective contracts, so having a third option to play up front to provide competition could be useful this season.

Shankland had a disappointing campaign last year, but his goal record in Scotland is impressive, and he is available as a free agent, so he is an intriguing option for Mason.

However, there are enough warning signs there between his poor recent form and the fact he’s now 29, that avoiding him might prove the right move in the long-term.