Lawrence Shankland won't start pre season with Hearts as transfer exit fears rise after fresh Tynecastle talks
The Scotland international has yet to make a decision on his future after the end of his Gorgie contract
Derek McInnes has been forced to leave it to Hearts' hierarchy to make one last push in their bid to keep Lawrence Shankland.
The Jambos gaffer hoped to have an answer from the club's former captain on his future by Saturday - when his squad fly to Spain for pre-season training.
Shankland is still weighing up whether to stay at Tynecastle or move on, with interest from clubs in England and abroad.
But Record Sport understands that after fresh talks with the Scotland striker on Tuesday night, he WON'T be on the plane to Spain.
That means McInnes is now praying that Hearts chiefs can somehow thrash out a deal with the 29-year-old in his absence and persuade Shankland to re-sign.
The manager is now fully focused on the players he does have at his disposal as he gears up for the Premier Sports Cup group phase and the Premiership kick-off.
McInnes said this week the club wouldn't wait forever on Shankland making up his mind and if he rejected the deal - he would start looking for a replacement centre-forward.
The Scotland front-man has been training on his own in Dubai over the summer after his contract expired in Gorgie.
And he was keen to consider Hearts' latest, improved offer especially after McInnes took over as boss.
Hearts haven't given up hope of Shankland staying - but missing out on the Jambos' pre-season trip means it's increasingly unlikely.
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