Heart of Midlothian are continuing to pursue a new deal for Lawrence Shankland. A second contract offer has been made to the team's top scorer, Hearts Standard understands.

Shankland has 18 months left on his deal at Tynecastle Park and the club are keen to extend it beyond 2025. Negotiations with his representatives have been taking place this month over the extension and a new contract would make the player the highest-paid at the club.

READ MORE: The Lawrence Shankland story: From Queen's Park to Hearts and Scotland star​

There has been rampant speculation linking Shankland with Rangers but Hearts have not received any offers for their talisman. However, according to various reports, a deadline of Wednesday night has been put on the extension offered to the player.

The 28-year-old struck his 19th goal at the weekend, in the win over Aberdeen. He is closing in on 50-goal mark for the club. He is set to become the first player to hit that milestone in his first two seasons for the club since Willie Bauld. And with one more goal he will become the first player since John Robertson to hit 20 goals in back-to-back seasons.

Hearts have already secured Alan Forrest, Craig Halkett and Liam Boyce on new deals so far, while a pre-contract agreement with Yan Dhanda is in place with the Ross County star set to join in the summer if Hearts can't secure a permanent deal this month. The club are still hopeful of signing Scott Fraser on loan before the end of the transfer window.