Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay has issued a back-off message to Rangers, insisting star striker Lawrence Shankland will not be sold in January.

The Scotland international has been heavily linked with a move to Ibrox, especially given the current injury situation in the attacking line for Philippe Clement's side.

McKinlay, who was speaking at the club's AGM today, insists Hearts have had no contact from any club about Shankland's availability in January, and he insists they are not looking to sell given his importance to Steven Naismith's side.

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The former Aberdeen and Dundee United man has netted 12 times this season so far, with his nearest challenger at the club on just two goals.

McKinlay said: "We are not looking to sell Lawrence in January.

"Given his obvious importance to the team it would take an exceptional bid for us to even consider it. We have no need as a club to sell players and we would only do so if we recieve a valuation that we think is appropriate.

"We have had no contact from anyone, any club, any agent, his agent or any other agent to suggest that anyone is going to bid for Lawrence in January."