Derek McInnes expects decision on Lawrence Shankland’s future ‘in next few days’

Hearts boss Derek McInnes expects a decision on the future of out-of-contract captain Lawrence Shankland in the coming days.

The 29-year-old Scotland forward is a free agent and mulling over his next move, but the Edinburgh club remain hopeful that they can re-sign a player who has scored 68 goals for them over the past three seasons.

McInnes was planning further talks with Shankland on Tuesday and was optimistic of gaining a clear answer on whether he intends to extend his time at Tynecastle.

“Hopefully, the next time we speak, there might be a wee bit more clarity on it,” the recently-appointed Hearts boss said at a press conference on Tuesday. “I expect there to be a bit more clarity in the next few days.

“If it was a ‘no’, he’d have told us. I think he sees so many positives from re-signing at Hearts. What we’ve all got to appreciate is when a player runs his contract down, particularly good number nines, then sometimes there can be other things to consider.

“The conversations we’ve had with Lawrence is all about the benefits that we can give him as a club, but equally what he can give us. I’d love him to be part of that, I really would. I think over the next few days we’ll find out if that’s going to be the case.”

Hearts have already made six signings this summer and McInnes is “still looking to try and identify one or two in key positions”, but added that “we’re not looking to do too much more in terms of ins”.

The manager explained that the squad is currently on the “top-heavy” side and there would likely be “a natural parting of the ways for some” when the Jambos return from next week’s pre-season trip to Spain.

McInnes indicated that 42-year-old Scotland keeper Craig Gordon, who recently signed a one-year contract extension, is in a race to be fit for the start of the William Hill Premiership campaign as he battles to overcome a shoulder injury that kept him out of the last three games of last season.

“I think he’s got eyes on trying to be ready for his testimonial game (against Sunderland on July 26),” said the manager. “He certainly won’t be fit for the League Cup games.

“I chatted with Craig (on Monday), he seems confident that it’s going the right way. But whether it can be progressed enough before the start of the campaign, I think we’ve still got some doubts about that.”

With Gordon injured, fellow Scotland international Zander Clark will have an early chance to try to re-establish himself as Hearts number one this summer.

“In terms of every position, whoever’s fit and available gives themselves the best chance to go and make that position their own,” said McInnes. “I’m just looking for my goalkeepers to provide that real healthy competition and make it difficult for me.”