West Brom in race against time for Shankland as mega-rich clubs circle
West Brom are interested in signing Lawrence Shankland to boost their front line, but they now face competition for his signature.
Shankland has been targeted on a free transfer as he prepares to leave Scottish Premiership side Hearts, but there is no shortage of interest in the striker.
West Brom need to reinforce their attacking options, and Shankland is seen as an experienced forward who can add goals to the team.
However, the Baggies may now face a battle on their hands to sign the Scotland international, as other clubs could financially outmuscle them.
Saudi Arabian clubs interested in Shankland
Ryan Mason is keen on bringing Shankland to West Brom, but clubs in Saudi Arabia are also interested in signing him, and could offer lucrative contracts.
It has now been reported by Mark Hendry (8 June) that Al-Ettifaq and Al-Wehda are both interested in the 29-year-old, and given that Al-Ettifaq have Jack Hendry, they could entice him into a move.
| Lawrence Shankland’s record at Hearts | |
| Appearances | 137 |
| Goals | 68 |
| Assists | 23 |
The Saudi clubs could offer significantly higher wages than West Brom, meaning Shankland would have a decision to make over whether he wants to test himself in England or sign a bigger contract now.
Shankland has been prolific in Scotland over the years, and scored 68 times in 137 appearances for Hearts ahead of his exit.
Shankland may not suit West Brom needs
Although a clinical finisher, Shankland’s output dipped this season as he managed just four goals in 28 Scottish Premiership matches.
In addition to this, the attacker no longer battles with the same physical intensity as he used to, and this may not suit Mason to have a passenger out of possession.
This could mean that Shankland arrives as a squad player, but given the other interest in him, it would take some work to convince him to join as a backup when there is Saudi money on the table.
West Brom do need extra goals in the side, but they may find that Shankland is unsuitable as an option to be relied upon as a starter, and would need additional reinforcements alongside him.