League One challengers Sunderland and Championship side Swansea City have been linked with Ayr United striker Lawrence Shankland.
Lawrence Shankland’s goal-scoring record this season would make Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo blush. In just 22 games, the striker has hit the back of the net 25 times, inspiring Ayr United to the top of the Scottish Championship table.
But just how good is he?
According to Ayr’s owner Lachlan Cameron, the answer is very, very good.
Speaking to the Ayrshire Post (12 December, page 50) Shankland is a special talent, one the likes of which the club have rarely seen. No wonder Swansea City and Sunderland are among 20 clubs trying to sign the former Scotland U21 international, according to the Daily Record.
Shankland is out of contract next summer and there have been suggestions that Ayr could cash in for a bargain £400,000 in January. But Cameron has now opened up on the speculation, pointing out that his side have no desire to sell while the prospect of a ‘once-in-a-generation’ promotion remains.
“We’re not going to be messed around. Lawrence has a huge value to this club and is vital to what we’re doing,” Cameron said.
“We’ve just gone to Dundee United and beaten them 5-0. It’s a result some reckon might be our best ever. We may not be in a position like this for a long, long time to come.
“Lawrence is also a fantastic boy whose attitude since he came here has been spot on. We won’t be bullied into taking some offer that does little for us.
“Does that mean I’d be willing to lose Lawrence for nothing in the summer? Absolutely.”
You can see why 20 clubs are keen to sign the unstoppable goal machine. Swansea City have struggled in front of goal all season and a player like Shankland could perhaps aid their promotion ambitions, if he can make the step up to the English second tier, that is.
Sunderland manager Jack Ross, meanwhile, knows Shankland well having worked with him at St Mirren.
