Hearts CEO McKinlay anticipates captain Shankland’s contract expiry

Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay has indicated his “gut” feeling is that captain Lawrence Shankland will allow his contract with the club to expire, which is set to occur at the end of the current season. Following the club’s Annual General Meeting, McKinlay addressed the media, stating he has “no idea” whether the 29-year-old Scotland striker will remain at Tynecastle beyond the closure of the January transfer window. Shankland’s future has been the subject of considerable speculation, given his contract is due to conclude at the season’s end. McKinlay reiterated his position, stating, “”At the end of January? I have no idea,” adding, “I’ve spoken ad nauseam about Lawrence for the last four transfer windows and I genuinely am not sure what else you want me to say about it. “I’ve put it on record that my gut has always been that he’ll run down his contract. Who knows what will happen in January?”” Despite the uncertainty surrounding January, McKinlay confirmed that securing a new striker is “the priority” for the club. He further noted that “finances are available” to enhance head coach Neil Critchley’s attacking choices. McKinlay elaborated on the search for new players, stating, “”There’s a particular striker we’re looking at, but not just one,” and continued, “Often you don’t get your first choice. We’re looking at a few, all of who have come from Jamestown. Other positions and other things that we do, I think, might depend on what might go out.””