Southampton fancy free transfer for long-standing Celtic target.

Southampton are considering a free transfer for Celtic’s long-term striker target Lawrence Shankland.

In recent years, the majority of Southampton’s recruitment targets have come from the French League or outside of Europe’s top five leagues. With the exception of Mateus Fernandes, the success rate with this strategy has been quite low, indicating that a change should be made.

Something like switching to a more successful youth competition, such as the Bundesliga. Or, better yet, the Scottish league, where the Saints can sign good value players without breaking the bank.

In terms of the Scottish Premiership, one attacking name has emerged on Southampton’s radar that is sure to pique their interest. According to EFL Analysis, the above-mentioned striker is Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland, who has long been a Celtic transfer target.

Southampton aims to steal the transfer march on Celtic target. Shankland

Having a club like Celtic circling a player is not a common occurrence, which is why Southampton should keep an eye out for this opportunity.

Furthermore, Shankland appears to be the Saints’ ideal forward. The 29-year-old has a commendable eye for goal and is well-known among the Scottish elite for regularly scoring ten goals with ease.

A figure that no Saints attacker has reached so far this season.

Doesn’t this Shankland deal seem too good to be true? Before this transfer reminds anyone of the £10 million Ross Stewart error, Southampton fans should be aware that Shankland is currently a free agent.

Heading into the summer transfer window, only Saints fan favourite Danny Ings was regarded as a viable free transfer target.

Now that the situation has improved, Southampton may be able to steal a transfer march on a relatively young centre forward who is expected to deliver at least a couple of brilliant seasons.

With that in mind, Southampton must fend off any competing 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.

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