Sunderland have fired the first shots in the battle for former Ayr forward Lawrence Shankland by offering him terms, as reported by the Scottish Sun.

Shankland is hot property north of the border having bagged 34 goals for the Scottish Championship side last season, but has now left with his contract having expired.

He's been linked with a number of clubs, including Swansea and Portsmouth as well as SPFL giants Rangers and Celtic. It's also believed he turned down a move to Belgian second-tier side Royale Union Saint-Gillois in the winter.

It's seemingly the Black Cats who are looking to get the ball rolling in the hunt for Shankland, with a deal now reportedly on the table others will be forced to show their hand or risk losing out on the 23-year-old.

Shankland, who has two Scotland Under 21 caps to his name, began his career with Queen's Park before a move to Aberdeen, but he struggled to make an impression at Pittodrie and spent time out on loan, most notably with Jack Ross' St Mirren side.

That connection has led the Sunderland boss to monitor the player's progress and they're now hoping that the early bird catches the worm with their offer to Shankland.

The Verdict

He's hot property, there is little doubt in that. 34 goals in a season is not to be sniffed at and whilst Sunderland and Ayr may be very different sized clubs, a goalscorer will bag anywhere.

He'll have a huge amount of interest and doubtless, other offers will come in. Jack Ross will be hoping their previous spell together can swing the pendulum in his direction.