Hearts expect Lawrence Shankland decision ‘within days’

McInnes added: “I expect there to be a bit more clarity in the next few days. If it was a ‘no’, he’d have told us. I think he sees so many positives from re-signing at Hearts.”

Shankland, who joined Hearts from Belgian club Beerschot in 2022, was linked with Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers last season and could attract interest from English clubs and abroad.

“What we’ve all got to appreciate is, when a player runs his contract down, particularly good number nines, then sometimes there can be other things to consider,” McInnes said.

“The conversations we’ve had with Lawrence is all about the benefits that we can give him as a club, but equally what he can give us. I’d love him to be part of that, I really would.”

Hearts have already made six signings this summer and McInnes is “still looking to try and identify one or two in key positions”, but he added that: “We’re not looking to do too much more in terms of ins.”

The manager explained that the squad is currently on the “top-heavy” side and there would probably be “a natural parting of the ways for some” when Hearts return from next week’s pre-season trip to Spain.