With the January transfer window nearing, Celtic have found themselves linked alongside Welsh side Swansea City with an interest in Ayr United striker Lawrence Shankland.
The 23-year-old attacker already has well over 100 appearances to his name in the Scottish game following time with Queen’s Park, Aberdeen and many others, but having showcased his talent in previous years, he’s definitely hit the ground running for Ayr having joined them back in the summer of 2017.
In 56 appearances on stats I can find (only one substitute showing) the young lad has hit an incredible 55 goals. 26 of those have come in 2018/19 in only 23 appearances but he’s said to be valued at around only £400,000 which could make him a great capture for a snip of a price.
Ayr owner Lachlan Cameron is well aware of the potential interest in the player and he was quoted by the Wales Online recently as saying they would rather lose him on a free at the end of the season, rather than do a deal for cash in January.
“Let me assure our fans there is no pressure on us to sell. We now have a once-in-a-generation chance to go for the top flight and Lawrence is integral to that. If this was about cash, I’d be accepting a bid and sticking it straight in the bank. But, as a club, we arguably haven’t been in this position for 40 years.”
Adding.
“But at the same time, we won’t be bullied into taking some offer that does little for us. Does that mean I’d be willing to lose Lawrence for nothing in the summer? Absolutely.”
Hanging their promotion hopes as being more important than money is very believable but given the potential lure of the Championship as a possible step to the Premier League, Celtic could just play this cleverly and look to the long game. Secure a fee for him that entices Ayr into doing a deal, but let the lad complete the campaign with them to ease the deal through.
Works for all then if Brendan Rodgers does want him on our books.