BBC Sportsound pundit Tam McManus has suggested that Leeds United could sign Ayr United forward Lawrence Shankland in the January transfer window.
Shankland, 23, has been in phenomenal form for the Scottish Championship leaders this season, scoring a whopping 27 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions.
The Daily Record has recently reported that Swansea are readying a bid of £400,000 for the former Scotland Under-21 international in January and he would consider making a move to the English Championship.
It is understood that as many as 20 teams are interested in Shankland, and ex-Hibernian star McManus reckons that Leeds could be one of them.
“It’s too late for Rangers now. There’s the big English clubs with the money coming in,” said McManus on RockSport Radio on Tuesday night, as shown on Periscope [48:55 onwards].
“Are Rangers prepared to play £300,000 to £400,000 for a player you can get for nothing in the summer? I don’t think so.
“I think a Swansea or Leeds or somebody like that down in England where £300,000 to £400,000 is nothing.”
OPINION
Shankland has been in unbelievable form this season. Yes, he has been firing in the goals in a league that is nowhere near as strong as the English Championship, but still, someone who is scoring goals that easily cannot be ignored. Swansea are reportedly interested while judging by McManus’ comments, Rangers may also be having a look at the goal machine. Either way, for £400,000, it may be worth Leeds’ time to have a serious look at signing him in January. Marcelo Bielsa’s side has been ravaged by injuries this season and you could say that Patrick Bamford is the Yorkshire club’s only true centre-forward. Kemar Roofe and Izzy Brown can play there, but both of them have spent a chunk of their careers playing out wide or in a deeper role. Shankland is an out and out striker, and one that is firing on all cylinders. Leeds should definitely table an offer next month.