Southampton actively monitor in-form goalscorer, Fotis Ioannidis to partner up with Ross Stewart in attack.
It's been a week since Southampton last visited the idea of entrusting Ross Stewart and potentially Shankland for their attack force, alone. Needless to say, halting such discussions has done the Saints better.
That's because having had a single goal in the final matchday this season, handing Stewart the attack responsibilities is a risk. Additionally, with Saudi clubs planning to swoop away Shankland, it's clear Southampton needs a new signing alongside backing Stewart.
But thankfully, the Saints seemed to have found a potential profile who could be their perfect alternative to Shankland's signing.
It's 25-year-old Panathinaikos striker, Fotis Ioannidis.
Ioannidis' European stats will definitely attract Southampton
Having scored 11 goals for the Super League 1 club, Ioannidis has been a regular scorer for his club all season. But what's more impressive has been his European Competition numbers.
Despite Panathinaikos not making it ahead of the Round of 16, Ioannidis had 4 goals in 9 games, proving as a regular scoring threat. Interestingly, such brilliant European stats are what attracts Southampton to look for him as a like-to-like alternative for previous target Shankland.
As per Corriere dello Sport(via Sport Witness), Southampton are one of the many English clubs interested in Ioannidis's signing to have him compete with Ross Stewart for a lineup spot.
Honestly, Ioannidis' profile must feel exciting to every Saints fan out there, but only until they realize that neither the forward has been a new face to them nor their interest in him.
That's because, last summer, Southampton submitted a record-breaking £25m bid for Ioannidis, just to see the offer rejected by Panathinaikos. Now, certainly, given his breakthrough season last time, the fee made sense, but still, even if he arrives, Ioannidis' signing won't come cheap.
Well, comparing this to Shankland's case, Southampton may need to weaken their pockets here. But, maybe, that's the price they need to pay for a younger in-form profile in Fotis Ioannidis.