Lawrence Shankland closing in on permanent move from Beerschot to Hearts

Lawrence Shankland is closing in on a move to Hearts, with the striker in Scotland to undergo a medical before joining Robbie Neilson’s squad.

Hearts have now agreed a fee with Belgian side Beerschot for the striker and personal terms have been agreed on a long-term deal for the player.

All that remains is for the player to complete medical checks and final paperwork before Shankland becomes Hearts’ latest recruit ahead of the new season.

Assuming the formalities are completed in time, the forward will travel with the rest of the squad for their pre-season friendly against Preston on Wednesday.

Hearts have made a number of additions to the squad over the summer as they look to build on last season’s third-placed Premiership finish, and prepare for group stage football in Europe.

Kye Rowles, Lewis Neilson, Alan Forrest, Alex Cochrane and Jorge Grant have all joined Neilson’s squad and will add to the manager’s options as he aims to hit the ground running when the season starts.

The signing of Shankland will see the manager reunited with a player he signed for Dundee United from Ayr United while in charge at Tannadice. That move was productive for both, with Shankland becoming a regular scorer in the Championship and earning a place in the Scotland squad.

The 26-year-old, who began his career at Queen’s Park before moving to Aberdeen and enjoying loan spells at Dunfermline, St Mirren and Morton, moved to Beerschot in August of last year, with Dundee United receiving an undisclosed fee for their striker.

The move proved to be a disappointment, with Shankland scoring five times last season as his side were relegated.