Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland is set to complete a stunning move to Premiership rivals Rangers, with the deal likely to be done as early as this week.
The 30-year-old forward netted 20 times this season for a Tynecastle side that came within minutes of clinching a first top-flight title in 60 years.
Ibrox boss Danny Rohl has wasted no time in securing his top summer target as he gets to work on what will be a huge rebuild for the club.
Daily Mail Sport understands that the transfer has been verbally agreed between the relevant parties, and is expected to be announced in the coming days.
Shankland was heavily linked with a switch to his boyhood club this time last season before agreeing a three-year deal to stay in Gorgie. However, a clause in that contract will allow him to exit this summer for a nominal fee.
Barring any hiccups, Shankland will be a Rangers player before he links up with Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad this week as preparations ramp up for the World Cup.
The former Dundee United frontman signed for Hearts in 2022 following a short stint with Belgian outfit Beerschot, and went on to score 88 goals in 171 appearances for the Tynecastle side.
His departure is a blow for Gorgie boss Derek McInnes, who hoped the talisman would be sticking around for another title charge.
Hearts are also looking to feature in the Champions League proper for the first time in their history next season, with Fenerbahce or Sturm Graz confirmed as their potential opponents in the second-round qualifier.
