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Everton are always one to watch on transfer deadline day and today could be a great opportunity for the club to add some last-minute attacking reinforcements, with a fresh update emerging on a potential target.

What's the latest Everton transfer news?

According to TEAMtalk, Everton have been offered the opportunity to sign West Ham United striker Danny Ings.

As per the report, Sean Dyche is keen to work with Ings again after coaching him at Burnley previously and would be open to the idea of snapping up the forward's services in the dying hours of the transfer window.

It is further noted that Everton are looking to add even more attacking reinforcements, despite sealing a deal for Beto earlier this week.

Will Danny Ings join Everton?

There is no doubt that Ings boasts the Premier League experience and consistency in front of goal to make an instant impact at Goodison Park this season, so it makes perfect sense for Dyche to reunite with the goal machine.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

During his tenure at Turf Moor, the 31-year-old – once hailed a "phenomenal finisher" by pundit Noel Whelan – delivered 43 goals and registered 14 assists over 130 appearances, with a goal contribution every 170 minutes before he parted ways with the Clarets in a move to Liverpool back in 2015.

Since then, Ings has become a highly-rated Premier League goalscorer with stints at Southampton, Aston Villa and now West Ham, where he is now struggling to earn game time with just 24 appearances tallied up in all competitions – averaging just 38 minutes per game since joining the Hammers in January in a deal worth £15m.

The former Burnley boss has always been a huge admirer of the English centre-forward he played a hand in developing as a youngster, and continued to sing his praise when Ings was unstoppable in front of goal for Saints:

"He has really found his fitness and his form. He's playing very, very well.

"[His form is] not a massive surprise to me. He's a good player, there's no two ways about it."

As a result, Dyche could now revive Ings' career by offering him the chance to redeem himself on the blue side of Merseyside which should be an attractive prospect for the striker, especially when considering the improvements Dwight McNeil has made under the manager since the turn of the year.

The Everton winger found himself struggling at Goodison under the management of Frank Lampard, despite the former Chelsea boss signing McNeil in the summer previous.

The 23-year-old scored just twice and delivered one assist before Lampard was sacked in January, however, quickly became a certain starter upon the arrival of his former manager and repaid Dyche's faith by tallying up two assists and five goals over the business end of the campaign, which hugely contributed to Everton's survival in the Premier League.

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Ings to join Everton before the transfer window slams shut. Like McNeil was, he is underperforming but Dyche could well get the very best out of him and revive his career in the final third.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has personally set his sights on a £100 million striker with "moves being made" behind-the-scenes.

Who have Chelsea signed 2023?

The Blues displayed their real ambition yet again over the summer transfer window; sealing deals for Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Nicolas Jackson, Lesley Ugochukwu, Robert Sanchez, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Djordje Petrovic, Angelo and Deivid Washington – who all joined the club for around £397 million.

Pochettino's overhaul doesn't end there, though, as a plethora of players departed Stamford Bridge in wake of the new arrivals.

Indeed, Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Cesar Azpilicueta, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ethan Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odoi all left the club to bring in £230 million.

Pochettino's side have took time to get going so far this season, though; having won just one Premier League game, drawing another and recording two losses.

Chelsea succumbed to defeats at the hands of both West Ham and Nottingham Forest before the international break, but could put things right with a much-needed win at Bournemouth on Sunday.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

Despite their major outlay, one position Chelsea didn't bolster with a big name signing was at centre-forward.

The Blues are lacking an out-and-out number nine of real quality, leading to their links with both Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Brentford's Ivan Toney.

Chelsea's leading scorer from last season, Kai Havertz, bagged just seven top flight goals and these numbers suggest that the forward area is a major achilles heel in Pochettino's side.

That's why there have been suggestions that a new striker could be targeted in January, with reporter Rahman Osman of London World sharing what he knows on Toney.

According to the journalist, Thomas Frank's star forward, who is currently serving a ban for gambling breaches, is Pochettino's "ideal choice" to lead his Chelsea line.

As such, they're apparently leading the race for his signing, with Chelsea also laying the groundwork for his winter window capture.

"Chelsea are leading the race to sign Brentford’s suspended forward Ivan Toney with moves being made behind the scenes for a chance of getting him in January," wrote Osman.

"The Blues have spent close to a billion pounds under the new owner but there remains the need for a proven goal scorer at the highest level.

"LondonWorld sources say Toney is Pochettino’s ideal choice as he is English, at the right age and proven in the Premier League."

How good is Ivan Toney?

Scoring 20 goals in 33 starts for Brentford in the top flight last season, Toney is a truly prolific marksman when available and at his very best.

"Ivan is very intelligent, because he’s reflecting, and he deserves a lot of praise himself for also coming into a well-run club and listening to all the small bits and adding extra layers to his development and performance," Brentford manager Frank said in 2021.

"If you want to be a top player you need to work hard, constantly reflect and want to learn and then of course you need to have that confidence that he’s got so naturally.

"He’s coming across so fantastically: he’s humble, calm, but with a mindset of a lion."

The Bees boss has also said he's worth around £100 million.

“We have spent two years preparing for it. There will be emotions when we say goodbye. Even if we don’t go on to be a part of a senior World Cup winning team, we will have this to remember,” said India’s captain Prithvi Shaw

Shashank Kishore in Mount Maunganui03-Feb-20182:20

‘We were just eager to lift the cup’ – Kalra

Mohammad Kaif. Virat Kohli. Unmukt Chand. Now Prithvi Shaw. Each of them know what it takes to win the World Cup at the Under-19 level. There are images of each of them celebrating their triumph wildly. Shaw’s in comparison was the most mellowed.Shaw is up to many pranks at the best of times. At every press conference, he’s had a whacky answer here, a fun answer there. On Saturday, however, he was struggling to put words to his thoughts. The overwhelming feeling of reaching a goal they set themselves 18 months ago overpowered all else.’Feeling really good’ was repeated almost every second line, until he was self-conscious of it. In his moment of glory, he immediately thanked the fans who came out to support India. For close to an hour after India lifted the cup, he spent time posing for pictures, doing a lap of honour with the team and then sitting back to sign souvenirs.As he trudged in to a room with multiple cameras, the energetic Shaw just a few moments earlier became a lot more self-conscious. “This is the last match for us at the Under-19 level for a lot of us, but there are so many memories that stand out with this group,” he said, after a pause to gather his thoughts.1:59

Dasgupta: This U-19 batch is special

“I can’t pick out one moment right now, nothing comes to mind right now. I can’t express what I’m feeling. I’d like to thank the fans. We did not expect this fan support when we came here, they always had us pumped up. There’s been so much love in New Zealand.”All tournament, India have bossed over other teams, but there was a small worry in the camp at the halfway stage. The fear of taking things too lightly hit them gently, Shaw later said. He called his teams into a huddle as Australia’s innings finished, a first for this team, and was quite animated as he did all the talking.”We felt 217 wasn’t a big score, but I didn’t want us to be casual,” he said. “It’s a big match, a World Cup final. I just wanted to remind the team that. I told them to be calm, patient, build partnerships and do the little things that helped us get here.”Manjot Kalra, player of the final, later elaborated on the chat in the middle and in the dressing room. “(Rahul) Dravid sir told us how a casual dismissal in the Under-19 final in 2016 proved to be a turning point. Rishabh Pant walked out of the crease and was stumped, I think. He told us how he didn’t want us to repeat those kinds of mistakes and play with the same seriousness that we have shown all tournament.”As realization struck that this was perhaps the last time the current group would play together, Shaw reflected on the friendships. “We will play against each other, meet each other, so I don’t think there will be any emotions running high,” he had said in the build-up to the final. Now, with a winner’s medal around his neck and the Trophy beside him, the emotional side of him surfaced again.”This has been a fun journey. There’s been a lot of poking fun at each other,” he said. “We have spent two years preparing for it. There will be emotions when we say goodbye. Even if we don’t go on to be a part of a senior World Cup winning team, we will have this to remember. The entire team backed me right through he tournament. Gill was a superb vice-captain. Whenever I felt I was under pressure, the team was with me and that is a good feeling. To be sitting here with a World Cup medal is unbelievable.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Após ter seu nome envolvido em nova polêmica com um dirigente do Flamengo, o atacante Lincoln – que foi um dos jovens titulares no empate com o Palmeiras, no domingo – usou as redes sociais para publicar uma mensagem.

– Tenho metas a cumprir e muitas bocas pra calar. Merecíamos mais. Orgulho dos crias – compartilhou o atleta, em seu Instagram, recebendo o apoio de outros companheiros de time no Flamengo, como Hugo Souza, Renê e Lázaro.

RelacionadasListasQuinta tem sorteio! Veja as premiações da Copa do Brasil fase a fase até o títuloListas28/09/2020FlamengoInvestimento do Flamengo na base cresce pela sexta temporada seguidaFlamengo28/09/2020FlamengoSTJD analisará se houve infração disciplinar do Flamengo; ações do Saferj e Sindeclubes são encerradasFlamengo28/09/2020

Por conta do surto de Covid-19 no elenco profissional, o Flamengo recorreu a jovens da base para montar o time. Neste cenário, com 18 desfalques ao todo, o empate em 1 a 1 e a atuação segura dos garotos do Ninho foi comemorado.

A publicação polêmica, após este jogo, foi de Paulo Cesar Pereira Filho, vice de secretaria do clube. A paródia do filme “A Queda”, que conta as últimas horas do ditador alemão Adolf Hitler no poder, compartilhada pelo dirigente tinha uma série de brincadeiras com o rival paulista, mas também uma piada na qual Lincoln foi alvo de uma piada.

– “O Lincoln começou jogando como titular. Como não ganha de um time com o Lincoln?” – dizia parte do vídeo compartilhado pelo dirigente do Flamengo.

Anteriormente, Lincoln já havia sido criticado por Luiz Eduardo Baptista, o Bap – nome forte da direção de Landim -, em declaração que gerou incômodo entre as partes.

تتوجه الأنظار إلى العاصمة الفرنسية باريس، في انتظار حفل الكرة الذهبية “بالون دور” لعام 2024.

وتم الكشف عن موعد الحفل الذي يقام سنويًا ويعلن فيه عن أفضل لاعب في العالم بالإضافة لعدد آخر من الجوائز الفردية.

وأعلن الحساب الرسمي للكرة الذهبية عن موعد الحفل الذي يقام في مسرح دو شاتليه بباريس، للاحتفال بجوائز لاعبي كرة القدم الفردية المرموقة في العالم.

اقرأ أيضًا | أنشيلوتي يرشح لاعب ريال مدريد للتتويج بالكرة الذهبية: ليس لدي شك في أحقيته بها موعد حفل الكرة الذهبية 2024

سيتم الكشف عن المرشحين في 4 سبتمبر القادم، ثم يقام حفل الكرة الذهبية “بالون دور”، يوم 28 أكتوبر القادم، في نسخته الثامنة والستين.

ويشهد الحفل الإعلان عن جائزة أفضل لاعب كرة قدم للرجال وللنساء، وكذلك أفضل نادِ في العالم للرجال والنساء.

كما تقدم جوائز أفضل لاعب شاب، وأفضل حارس مرمى، وجائزة جيرد مولر التي تمنح لأفضل هداف.

وتمنح كذلك جائزة سوكراتيس، للأعمال الخيرية المتميزة التي تُقدّم خارج ملاعب كرة القدم، وجائزة أفضل مدرب للرجال والسيدات.

يذكر أن النجم الأرجنتيني ليونيل ميسي هو أكثر اللاعبين فوزًا بالكرة الذهبية بواقع 8 مرات، يليه البرتغالي كريستيانو رونالدو بواقع 5 مرات.

Newcastle United have had scouts keeping tabs on an exciting new defender, and a fresh report has revealed the chances of him moving to the Premier League.

What's the latest transfer news at Newcastle?

Last week, Eddie Howe received an in-house boost when Callum Wilson put pen to paper on a one-year contract extension that runs until 2025, but outside of the northeast, there have been a few names doing the rounds as to who the boss could potentially target in the market next year.

CBS reporter Ben Jacobs recently name-checked the black and white stripes as a possible destination for West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen should he be on the move, while other outlets have linked the likes of Paris Saint-Germain’s Hugo Ekitike and Royal Antwerp’s Arthur Vermeeren with a switch to St. James’ Park.

Now, a new name to have entered the fold is Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco who, having worked his way up through the academy ranks to get promoted to the first-team, has so far made 22 senior appearances for Jorge Almiron’s side.

In addition, Argentina’s youth international will be out of contract in December 2024 meaning that his club could be tempted to cash in should they receive a respectable offer to risk not losing him for free at the end of next year, and if the following update is to be believed, the 19-year-old has a whole host of clubs chasing him.

Are Newcastle signing Valentin Barco?

According to 90min, Newcastle, Chelsea, Manchester City, Brentford, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest have “all watched” Barco in recent weeks. However, Brighton and Hove Albion are currently in pole position to secure the defender’s services having already held talks with his representatives.

Celtic, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, Porto, Roma, Juventus, PSG and Monaco have also been keeping close tabs on the in-demand teenager, but as previously stated, Roberto De Zerbi’s side are the favourites.

Boca Juniors are looking to get their prized asset to sign a new long-term contract to fend off interest, but with his current deal including a €10m (£8m) release clause, potential suitors have sniffed out the ideal opportunity to sign him.

How good is Valentin Barco?

Whilst Barco is still at a very young age, he’s already been dubbed the “Argentinian Marcelo” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and even though he might not be ready to be thrown straight into the senior action, he would be a fantastic signing for the long-term future of Newcastle.

Boca’s left-footed ace posted three contributions (two assists and one goal) in 19 outings across all competitions last season and loves to use his pace to burst down the flank and whip balls into the opposition’s box, racking up 48 crosses, which is the third-highest total throughout his squad, via FBRef.

Sponsored by Adidas, Barco, who represented his nation at the U20s World Cup, even has the versatility to operate everywhere down the left-hand side of the pitch in defence, midfield and attack, so this really is a no-brainer of a deal to pursue.

حقق فريق الكرة بالنادي الأهلي فوزًا صعبًا على فاركو بنتيجة 2-1 في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وأقيمت مباراة الأهلي وفاركو على أرضية استاد برج العرب في الإسكندرية باللقاء المؤجل من الجولة 11 بالمسابقة المحلية.

طالع | ترتيب الدوري المصري بعد فوز الأهلي والزمالك على فاركو وسيراميكا كليوباترا

وكان إمام عاشور قد سجل الهدف الأول من ضربة جزاء في الدقيقة 30، بعدما احتسب الحكم محمود ناجي ضربة جزاء لصالح موديست مهاجم الأهلي بعد دفعة من محمود عماد لاعب فاركو.

وأحرز جابر جابر هدف تعادل فاركو في الدقيقة 34 من تسديدة قوية من داخل منطقة جزاء الأهلي مستغلًا خطأ دفاعي للاعبي الأحمر.

وجاء هدف الأهلي الثاني عن طريق إمام عاشور بتصويبة مدوية من خارج منطقة الجزاء في الدقيقة 45+2 من عمر الشوط الأول.   أهداف مباراة الأهلي وفاركو اليوم في الدوري المصري

وبهذه النتيجة وصل رصيد الأهلي إلى 36 نقطة محتلًا المركز الرابع في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، بينما تجمد رصيد فاركو عند 21 نقطة في المركز السادس عشر.

MatériaMais Notícias

Diego Souza conseguiu uma trinca inusitada – ou talvez nem tanto – nessa quarta-feira. Contra o Botafogo, na vitória do Grêmio por 3 a 1, o atacante marcou um gol, deu uma assistência e foi expulso. Foi o primeiro cartão vermelho do camisa 29 nesse Brasileirão, porém, o 10º direto desde que estreou na competição, em 2003. Um recorde.

Diego se tornou o jogador com mais cartões vermelhos diretos na história do campeonato desde 1971, empatando com o ex-zagueiro Antônio Carlos, atualmente treinador do Kashima Antlers, do Japão. O atacante ainda tem outras duas expulsões em seu currículo na competição, ambas recebendo dois amarelos em sequência.

Em números gerais, ou seja, somando vermelhos diretos e por acúmulo de amarelos, apenas um jogador foi expulso mais vezes que Diego Souza: Kleber Gladiador. Atualmente no futebol norte-americano, onde defende o Austin Bold, o atacante, que também passou pelo Grêmio, totaliza 13 idas mais cedo para o chuveiro – nove diretas e quatro após dois amarelos.

JOGADORES COM MAIS CARTÕES VERMELHOS DIRETOS NO BRASILEIRO
– Dados do site OGol

1º – Diego Souza – 2003/2020 – 10 vermelhos diretos
Antônio Carlos – 1990/2007 – 10 vermelhos diretos
3º – Luisinho Quintanilha – 1983/2000 – 9 vermelhos diretos
Kleber Gladiador – 2003/2017 – 9 vermelhos diretos
Marcelinho Carioca – 1988/2009 – 9 vermelhos diretos
6º – Edmundo – 1992/2008 – 8 vermelhos diretos
Rogério Pinheiro – 1993/2002 – 8 vermelhos diretos
Dário – 1993/2000 – 8 vermelhos diretos
Hugo – 2002/2014 – 8 vermelhos diretos
Preto Casagrande – 1994/2006 – 8 vermelhos diretos
Cléber – 1990/2006 – 8 vermelhos diretos
Jancarlos – 2001/2011 – 8 vermelhos diretos
Sandro Barbosa – 1992/2004 – 8 vermelhos diretos

RelacionadasVídeoVÍDEO: Assista aos gols da vitória do Grêmio contra o BotafogoVídeo15/10/2020GrêmioRenato Gaúcho elogia postura do Grêmio diante do BotaGrêmio15/10/2020BotafogoComentarista diz que primeiro gol do Grêmio sobre o Botafogo foi irregularBotafogo14/10/2020

Trent Boult and Tim Southee combined to bowl England out for 58, their sixth-lowest Test total. Kane Williamson then led their batting charge with a delectable, unbeaten 91

The Report by Nikhil Kalro22-Mar-2018
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsPerfect days are rare in international cricket, but New Zealand’s first as host of day-night Test cricket was as close as they come. Trent Boult and Tim Southee, New Zealand’s best Test bowlers, first combined to blow away England for 58, their sixth-lowest Test score. Then Kane Williamson, their best Test batsman, ensured they capitalised with a delectable, unbeaten 91 that stretched New Zealand’s lead to 117.It all began under mostly cloudless skies in Auckland, with the pink ball. In any conditions, facing swing bowling has its challenges. Against a swing bowler with pace, accuracy and mastery over his craft, that task gets exponentially harder. Boult is usually in the mid-130kmph range, but his nagging precision gives batsmen lesser time to react. He is also a smart bowler, often using the width of the crease to create angles that trouble the batsmen. All of that was on show as he finished with 6 for 32, his best Test returns.At the other end, Southee provided ample support, using his own modus operandi – subtle changes in line, length, pace and movement – to nip out figures of 4 for 25. New Zealand didn’t require any other bowler, and it was only because of No. 9 Craig Overton’s freewheeling 25-ball 33 that England didn’t fall to their lowest total ever – 45 all out in 1887.First to go was Alastair Cook. Boult, using the width of the crease and enough lateral movement, found Cook’s outside edge, the catch taken comfortably at second slip. Then, Joe Root, having moved to No. 3 after leaving James Vince out after a sub-par Ashes, was bowled through a massive gap between bat and pad. Boult’s late movement had accounted for England’s best Test batsmen. With the ball still moving, in the air and off the pitch, against two bowlers at the top of their game, did the rest even have a chance?Boult and Southee combined to skittle England out for 58 all out on Day 1•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Dawid Malan was next, similarly undone by Boult’s angle and late away swing, the only difference being a thinner edge that was taken by the wicketkeeper BJ Watling, diving in front of first slip. Ben Stokes, returning to Tests after six months as a specialist batsman amid concerns around his workload, was intent on seeing Boult’s spell out.Off his eighth delivery, Boult went wide of the crease. Stokes, aware of the angle that dismissed Cook and Malan, shaped to leave, but Boult had brought this one back into the left-hander to hit the off stump. Boult would also get Chris Woakes, bowled through the gate, and James Anderson, merely tapping a short delivery to point.Bowling in partnerships has always been New Zealand’s strength in the last few years. Southee, too, found sufficient but not exaggerated movement. His first wicket was Mark Stoneman, edging to the keeper, off an outswinger. His third wicket was Moeen Ali, bowled through the gate, off an inswinger. In between was Jonny Bairstow, chipping a catch back to the bowler.His fourth wicket though was down to the fielding, another of New Zealand’s assets. Stuart Broad’s leaden-footed drive seemed set for the third-man boundary, but Williamson flew to his left from gully, both feet off the ground, and clung on to the catch. Broad’s wry smile and aghast expression summed up the afternoon for England. Their innings had lasted as long as a Twenty20 innings.In reply, James Anderson gave England some hope when he had Jeet Raval caught behind off an outswinger that moved away appreciably. Swing and seam ceased thereafter. Tom Latham and Williamson first got through the opening spells of each of England’s fast bowlers, and the shackles were released when Moeen Ali was brought on.In his first over, the 21st of the innings, Williamson lofted Moeen over long-on for six and then drilled him straight for four two balls later. While Latham was watchful for the entirety of his 112-ball 26, his innings ended in loose fashion, with a tame catch to square leg – Broad’s 400th Test wicket. Williamson, meanwhile, kept growing in confidence.Prior to the dinner break, he struck several languid drives through the covers, waiting for bowlers to err in line. When they did, he picked them off square on the leg side. His scoring rate deteriorated slightly after the break, but not the quality of his defensive technique or his shot selection. Even though the ball began to seam under lights, Williamson was untroubled, as New Zealand assumed complete control.

Heart of Midlothian recorded a 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock in the League Cup quarter-final during the week which sent them through to the last four of the competition for the first time since the 2019/20 season.

It has been a tough start to the 2023/24 campaign for Steven Naismith as an encouraging first few weeks were then followed by a run of four straight defeats up until the international break which rocked the confidence at the club, especially after they missed out on European group stage football.

Naismith dived into the transfer market to bolster his first-team squad during the summer, eventually signing seven players and while some have had an immediate impact, such as Frankie Kent, a few have failed to really hit the ground running thus far.

This has resulted in the manager putting his faith in players who were key to former boss Robbie Neilson, asking the likes of Kye Rowles, Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland to continue impressing and showing the new signings exactly what it takes in order to stand out for the club.

Shankland has been a wonderful signing for the Tynecastle outfit and is perhaps one of their finest pieces of transfer business conducted in the previous few seasons such was his impact last term.

This has led Hearts to place a big price tag on him in order to deter any potential suitors who may be willing to prise him away from the club.

How much did Hearts sign Lawrence Shankland for?

The striker played for a variety of different Scottish clubs during his formative years in his career, including Queens Park, Aberdeen, and St Mirren, but it wasn’t until he joined Ayr United in 2017 that he became the lethal machine everyone is witnessing now.

Indeed, over the next two seasons, he plundered 61 goals in just 73 matches for the club, chipping in with 24 assists too and this sealed a move to Dundee United in 2019. His goal-scoring exploits didn’t let up in Tayside either, scoring 40 in 74 games before Belgian side Beerschot V.A swooped in to sign him back in 2021.

It didn’t quite work out for the striker on the continent and Hearts shelled out £500k to bring him back to his homeland last summer as Neilson looked to get his career back on track.

Neilson managed Shankland during their time at United, and he lauded the player on his arrival, saying: “I’m really happy that we’ve been able to bring Lawrence to the club.

“He’s a player I know well from our time together at Dundee United. I know exactly what his qualities are and what he’ll bring to the team, and that’s why we really pushed hard to make him a Hearts player. I know he’ll get a great welcome and I’m looking forward to working with him again.”

He certainly went on to impress for the Gorgie side during the 2022/23 season and this attracted plenty of interest for his services.

How much is Lawrence Shankland valued at now?

During the summer transfer window, there appeared to be plenty of interest shown in the 28-year-old, despite playing just one season at Hearts.

Clubs from Saudi Arabia and England were keen on the hitman according to the Edinburgh Evening News (via the Scottish Sun), yet Hearts were having none of this reported interest.

Naismith ended up placing a £3-£4m valuation on his prized asset, and it certainly worked as he remains at the club, until January at least.

If using the top end of the valuation, it represents a staggering 700% increase from their initial £500k just 12 months prior, and it indicates that Hearts have hit the jackpot by signing Shankland.

Why is Lawrence Shankland worth this much?

The 6-foot marksman scored only five times in 28 appearances for Beerschot, yet Neilson managed to restore his confidence by making him an integral part of the side which featured in the group stages of the Europa Conference League.

Shankland ended up registering an impressive 32 goal contributions across all competitions last term – 28 goals and four assists – and although it couldn’t secure third spot in the table for the club, they would have been a lot worse off if it hadn’t been for his ruthlessness in front of goal.

Journalist Joel Sked rightfully praised him towards the end of 2022 following a wonderful first few months at the club, saying: “Lawrence Shankland has been different class for Hearts. So much more to his game than goals.

"His ability to drop in, act as that focal point and link player, his awareness and the way he creates space for himself. All so good and so vital.”

It is perhaps no surprise that the striker ranked first across the Hearts squad for overall Sofascore rating (7.11), goals and assists (28) and scoring frequency (a goal every 127 minutes) while also finishing top of the pile for shots on target per game (1.4), clearly demonstrating how effective he was in front of goal throughout the season.

Naismith has had to rely on him during the embryonic stages of 2023/24 too as the 28-year-old has scored five goals in 12 appearances, yet he may need to do more as the club are currently sitting in sixth place in the league table, eight points adrift of third spot.

It hasn’t been an easy ride so far for Naismith yet if he can secure some much-needed wins in the coming games, confidence will hopefully grow.

One of the best decisions the club made was signing Shankland and giving him a platform to succeed as he is currently one of the most natural finishers in the country at the moment.

More interest in the player will be inevitable across the coming months, especially if he maintains his current form and the most important thing is Hearts keep a hold of him until they have a suitable replacement lined up.

When he does depart, Shankland will rake in the Tynecastle side a major profit and this could in turn, allow the club to vastly improve their squad as they aim for success.