Derek McInnes ‘not going to give up’ on keeping Lawrence Shankland at Hearts

Derek McInnes is “not going to give up” on the notion of Lawrence Shankland remaining at Hearts.

The 29-year-old Scotland striker is out of contract with the Gorgie club but talks have taken place about a new deal.

Shankland, who joined the Jambos from Belgian club Beerschot in 2022, is absent from Hearts’ pre-season training camp in Spain and boss McInnes told HeartsTV there was “no update” on the situation.

“I’m leaving that up to the club to try and resolve,” he said. “Personally, I’m not going to give up on it.

“While it’s not a ‘no’, we have to keep that door open. And we just have to hope it can be resolved.

“But ultimately we’re not in a position that we can say categorically one way or the other, and while we still have a chance, we’ll see where it takes us.

“But I think I’ve made it clear, Lawrence is a boy I want to work with.

“As a manager, you set out your targets, and you want to work with the players you want to work with.

“I’m well used to it in my career, not getting everything I want, but I would love the opportunity for Lawrence to be with us this season and while we still have a chance, we’ll hang onto that.”