Rangers will make a move for Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland despite the arrival of Fabio Silva on loan from Wolves.

That's what former Ibrox skipper Barry Ferguson suspects at least.

Hearts talisman Shankland is a player in demand after firing himself to the top of the Premiership scoring charts this season with 11 goals.

It's believed there is interest from the English Championship as well as the Saudi Pro League in the Scotland international.

The Jambos - who sit third in the table currently - are preparing to offer the frontman a new deal as he enters the final 18 months of his contract.

Last night Silva joined Rangers on loan from Wolves. He will be eligible to play as of January 1, when his move becomes active.

The 21-year-old will help provide support to Cyriel Dessers up top while Danilo and Kemar Roofe remain on the treatment table, and Abdallah Sima prepares to jet off to the African Cup of Nations in the coming weeks.

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Ferguson is pleased Silva's move has been completed early, but he remains unconvinced that the Portuguese forward's arrival means the door is shut on a swoop for Shankland.

He told Go Radio: "It's good to see Rangers starting their business early and I would fully expect another two or three players in.

"A lot of people may say it might not happen now but I would be surprised, really surprised, if Rangers still ain't interested in him. I think they need another forward.

"If he is going to be at the price of around £2m, I think Rangers would be crazy not to look at it. I forgot that Danilo is out for a couple of months with a knee operation.

"Abdallah Sima has been called up for Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations. I believe Rangers will bring in another centre forward in and I would be surprised if it won't be Lawrence Shankland."