Dundee United boss hints at no Rangers move for Lawrence Shankland as he targets ex-Celtic ace

Robbie Neilson reckons Lawrence Shankland's next move will be to England. Picture: SNS

Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson believes Lawrence Shankland’s next move will be to England.

The Scotland international has been previously linked with Rangers as well as English Championship side Stoke City.

Shankland’s 28 goals in 33 appearances helped United win the second tier and promotion back to the top-flight. His goal-scoring exploits carried over from the previous season where he struck 34 times in 41 games.

Neilson doesn’t expect any movement for the 24-year-old until English clubs begin to look forward to the 2020/21 campaign, but has called on the player to stay for at least one more season.

He told BBC: "There's interest, but nothing concrete. The market for teams interested in Lawrence is in England and they aren't even back playing yet. So until that opens up I don't think there will be any movement.

"Lawrence should prove himself in the Premiership, try to establish himself in the Scotland set-up and then look to make his move."

Neilson also revealed interest in Dunfermline Athletic striker Kevin Nisbet and ex-Celtic winger Jonny Hayes as the former Hearts boss targets at least four new signings.

Hayes was released by the Scottish champions following the end of his contract, while the club tried to sign Nisbet, who has interested Hibs, in January.

"We know Jonny,” he said. “He’s been a great player over the years and he's one that we have spoken about but financially we don't know where we are.

"Kevin Nesbit is one at Dunfermline we've had an interest in January but we couldn't get the deal done. He's one that's on the list, like I say, it's uncertain times, what's the budget going to be? Can we do it?”

He added: "They (Nesbit and Hayes) are two players we're looking at, two players we are interested in but it is so uncertain we don't know what we can do."