Preston North End and Hull City reportedly eyed move for '£3m' striker linked with Rangers

Preston North End reportedly considered a move for Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland, this summer.

That is according to HITC, who suggest that the 31-year-old front man was looked at by the Lilywhites. However, it’s claimed that the Tynecastle club’s asking price ultimately put PNE off - along with Championsip rivals Hull City and Scottish giants Rangers.

Hearts are said to have placed a £3million price tag on Shankland, who is out of contract next summer. Rangers, PNE and Hull are all said to have been talking to Hearts in the final days of the summer transfer window.

North End did not add to their front line this summer, but speculation around Will Keane was ongoing - following a bid from West Bromwich Albion. In the end, though, Preston’s top scorer from last season signed a new contract at Deepdale and any exit talk was put to bed.

Shankland made the move to Hearts in 2022, from Belgian club Beerschot. In each of the last two Scottish Premiership seasons, he has scored 24 goals in 37 appearances - with four assists provided in each campaign too. He is yet to score in the current campaign.