Barry Ferguson has told of his surprise that Rangers have not tested Hearts' resolve over striker Lawrence Shankland.

The Tynecastle frontman has been heavily linked with a move to Ibrox this January transfer window, but a bid is yet to be submitted.

It is understood Hearts are looking for around £5million for their star man, but it remains to be seen if Rangers will stump up the cash.

Ferguson believes Shankland would be the ideal fit in Philippe Clement's side, but he also thinks there could be a possibility of the Scotland international staying put in the capital.

He wrote in the Daily Record: "Clement must have an eye on a winger and I also believe he’ll be in the market for a striker to challenge Cyriel Dessers.

"Silva can operate in all of these positions and could also be deployed as a No.10. I think Clement identified him because of that versatility. But he knows the importance of having a proven goalscorer leading the attack and that’s why the name of Lawrence Shankland keeps coming up in the conversation. Shankland can play in more than one role too which is another string to his bow. He has proved at Hearts that he can operate in deeper areas and play behind a main striker.

"But, for me, he looks every inch a Rangers No.9 and I’m actually a little surprised that a concrete offer hasn’t gone into Tynecastle already just to test their resolve. At the very least, give Hearts a decision to make. They may decide it’s not worth considering because third place in the league could be worth around £6million in European qualification.

"Maybe Shankland would prefer to sign a new deal and continue as captain of the club in the long-term? Or does he see himself playing on the biggest stage of all with a massive club? Who knows? But it’s certainly worth asking the question and seeing where things go from there. That’s why what happens over the next couple of weeks will be so fascinating and could have an enormous influence on what happens when the league restarts."