QPR have reignited their interest in long-term target Lawrence Shankland, with the club scouting the player ahead of a potential summer bid according to the Daily Record.

What's the word?

Shankland was a player on the radar of many clubs last summer before he made the move to Dundee United, but his continued success in the Scottish second decision has led Director of Football Les Ferdinand to watch him recently.

The striker will likely have impressed as he scored a hatrick against Partick Thistle, an achievement which could encourage Mark Waburton to make a move for him at the end of the season.

Loan players Nahki Wells and Jordan Hugill may no longer be at the club by that stage, and therefore it seems QPR could be eyeing a replacement striker.

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Gamble worth taking

Mark Warburton seems to have taken a real interest in the 24-year-old and the club's pursuit of Shankland shows no sign of slowing down.

He has scored 25 goals or more in his previous two seasons, with 24 to boast already this term from just 24 appearances, which shows how clinical he is in front of goal.

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Wells and Hugill have both scored a fair amount with 15 and 10 goals to their names respectively, and Warburton's open, attacking style could be the perfect environment for Shankland to make the step-up in standard.

Having never played above the Scottish Championship he would be a bit of a risk, so it is good that the club is conducting a review of his playing style before taking the plunge to bring him to west London.

His age also works to QPR's advantage. His progress in recent years shows he is constantly improving - with a goal for Scotland suggesting he could cut it at the top level.

Shankland is clearly high on confidence and proved he can adjust well to a new club, and that means QPR should make an attempt to bring him in if he doesn't cost too much.