'End of Shankland saga is nigh, but how will it unfold?'
Another day, another - kinda - update on the Lawrence Shankland story...
As we all know by now, Derek McInnes' squad have headed out to Spain for a warm-weather training camp and the Scotland striker is not with them.
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However, according to Hearts Standard editor Joel Sked, the offer of a contract from the Tynecastle club is still there and his future remains "in the balance".
"It seems like it's business as usual, the contract is on the table for Lawrence Shankland - a contract which would still make him the highest paid player at the club," Sked told BBC Sportsound.
"I have no problem with him holding out to see if there are options.
"I think it's still in the balance, but at the very end stage where, one way or another, something has to be done."
Hearts kick off their season on 12 July against Dunfermline in the League Cup group stage, so it's safe to say time is ticking.
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"Hearts will need someone to replace him if he doesn't stay," Sked added.
"I get why they're trying to wait as long as possible because I think trying to replace Shankland will be very, very difficult.
"I don't think it will be much more of a saga, I think we're coming to the end of it, which is needed for all parties."
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