A potential move from Hearts to Rangers for Lawrence Shankland has been mooted by a former player of both clubs.

Ian Black reckons the Scotland international could depart Tynecastle in January if he continues his form in front of goal for the Jambos.

Shankland, who is currently on international duty with Steve Clarke's squad, has five goals in nine matches so far this season.

That follows on from the 28-year-old's stunning campaign last time out where he netted 28 times in 47 appearances.

Both Rangers and Celtic have been linked with the former Dundee United and Ayr man in the past. 

Most recently Kris Boyd explained he could not get his head around why neither Old Firm outfit had pursued a move for Shankland.

Black certainly understands that viewpoint. Asked by Football Scotland if he would recommend moving to Rangers, having done it himself in 2012, he said: “Yeah, with Shanks you never know. He’ll have interest from elsewhere as well, big clubs down south if he keeps going the way he’s going.

“He’s a good lad as well and has got his head screwed on and goes about his job the right way.

“People will have been watching him and maybe come January and he’s still scoring goals, who knows what will happen?

“Obviously Hearts will be delighted that they’ve kept him past the window. But come January, it’ll be interesting if he keeps scoring goals."

READ MORE: Giovanni van Bronckhorst in La Liga management return option

Meanwhile, former Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is on the shortlist to return to management at La Liga side Villarreal.

The ex-Ibrox manager rejected a chance to take charge of his homeland club Utrecht this week because he wanted a new challenge at a European club.

And he will reportedly hold talks with Villarreal after they sacked Quique Setien this week after three losses and just one win into the new season in Spain.

Villarreal tried to entice former River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo to the job, but he immediately made clear he wasn't interested in the post and has now made ex-Arsenal and Netherlands star van Bronckhorst their main target.