Southampton are eyeing a free transfer for Celtic's long-standing striker target Lawrence Shankland.
In the past couple of years, most of Southampton's recruitment targets have come from either the French League or outside of the top five European leagues. Now, the success rate with this strategy has stood pretty low, barring Mateus Fernandes, meaning a change should be made in this regard.
Something, like switching to relatively more successful youth competitions like the Bundesliga. Or better, the Scottish league where the Saints can get good value for money signings without weakening their pockets much.
Talking about the Scottish Premiership, one attacking name has appeared on Southampton's radar which is sure to hold a strong appeal. According to EFL Analysis, that above mentioned striker is Hearts hitman Lawrence Shankland who has been Celtic's transfer dream for a good while now.
Southampton aiming to steal transfer march on Celtic target Shankland
Having a club like Celtic circling around a player isn't a usual theme, which is why Southampton must keep an eye out on this opportunity.
Plus, Shankland seems a tailor-made forward for the Saints needs in the first place. The 29-year-old has a commendable eye for goal and is well reputed among the Scottish elite for regularly crossing the ten goal mark with ease.
A figure which every Saints attacker failed to reach in the ongoing campaign.
This Shankland deal seems to good to be true, isn't it? Well, before this transfer reminds anyone of the £10m Ross Stewart error, Southampton fans should understand that Shankland is a free agent as things stand.
Heading into the summer transfer window, only Saints fan favourite Danny Ings was deemed as a decent free transfer move worth exploring.
Now, the situation has improved for the better, and Southampton might end up stealing a transfer march on a relatively younger centre forward who is tipped to give at least a couple of brilliant seasons at the bare minimum.
With that in mind, it's up to Southampton to fend off any rival interest in Shankland. The Championship proposition on offer might be a deal breaker, but let's stay optimistic that Shankland sees the upsides of a future Premier League chance and agrees to arrive at St. Mary's soon.