Michael Stewart thinks Hearts are ‘mental’ not to have a contract offer on the table for captain Lawrence Shankland.
It’s well documented that Shankland’s current deal with the Jambos expires in the summer and at the moment, it appears likely he will leave.
Shankland failed to reach an agreement with Hearts over a contract extension with talks breaking down.
Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay reiterated at the club’s AGM during the week that there’s no current offer for Shankland and his gut feeling is that the forward would depart Gorgie for good.
However, he did say that if Shankland’s reps want to re-open talks then they are welcome to do that.
But pundit and former Hearts midfielder Stewart believes Hearts should have an offer on the table at all times if Shankland – who scored twice for Hearts as they beat Dundee on Saturday – wishes to reconsider.
Michael Stewart on Shankland Hearts contract situation
Stewart said live on BBC Sportsound: “Regardless of what you think in terms of whether he would sign it or not, I think that’s it mental for Hearts not just to have an offer there on the table all the time.
“You know, it’s almost like politics here, you’re playing a game here. Hearts, for me, always have to have that deal on the table. Make it be known that there’s a deal there waiting on the table.”
Fellow Sportsound pundit Tom English then reminded the panel that Hearts offered Shankland a deal but it was rejected, but Stewart replied: “Yeah I get that, but the offer’s there on the table, just to be able to say, ‘look, we are open to negotiating.’
“Whatever (the offer) is, these are negotiations. Okay it’s much lower (now) but it could very quickly go back up. Basically the point is, you leave an offer on the table and say quite clearly to everybody, ‘we want you to stay, sign or negotiate, we’re happy to do it.'”
What Andrew McKinlay has said about Shankland
At the Hearts 2024 AGM on Wednesday, the club’s CEO said: “There is no live contract (for Shankland). We have no approach from his representatives since then.
“My gut tells me he will choose to run down his contract which is a shame because he has done very well here and we can be a good home for him.
“The ball is very much in their park. We’d be happy to have the conversation with Lawrence’s representatives if they want to speak to us.”