Celtic has its eyes on Hearts’ captain who has also attracted interest from Everton, Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, Burnley, Southampton, Hull City, and Middlesbrough, given his impressive form on the field.

HITC Football has learned that Celtic is contemplating a move for the 28-year-old striker, with manager Brendan Rodgers expressing his admiration for the player. Rodgers has openly praised the prolific striker, describing him as a ‘fantastic finisher’ following Hearts’ dramatic victory over Hibernian in the Edinburgh Derby.

Although Rangers had previously considered a deal for Shankland before opting for Fabio Silva, who arrived on loan from Wolves, Celtic’s interest in Shankland remains steadfast. However, clubs from England and abroad, including Everton, Sheffield United, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Hull, and Middlesbrough, have closely monitored Shankland’s performances in recent weeks.

Celtic’s pursuit of Shankland is indicative of their willingness to enhance the squad with proven quality, as emphasized by Rodgers throughout the season. Shankland’s impressive goal-scoring record, including a strike at Parkhead during Hearts’ 2-0 victory over Celtic, underscores his potential as one of the top strikers in Scotland.

Despite Kyogo Furuhashi’s success in Celtic colors over the years, Shankland’s prolific form has positioned him as a formidable offensive threat, netting 13 goals in 21 Scottish Premiership matches and contributing significantly to Hearts’ recent victories.

The 28-year-old’s current peak performance underscores the urgency for him to secure a move to a prominent club, especially with the potential interest from Premier League and English Championship teams, whose financial muscle could pose a challenge for Celtic’s pursuit.

Shankland’s remarkable performances for a third-placed Hearts side in the Scottish Premiership highlight his potential for a significant career move, cementing his status as a player worthy of consideration by top-tier teams.