With the winter transfer window nearly shut, it’s almost time to turn our attention to the upcoming summer. While there is still plenty of football to be played this season, it is never too early or late to begin speculating about future transfers. A new report now states that one player that could join Southampton in either the winter or summer transfer window is Scottish striker Lawrence Shankland.
Southampton Chasing Dundee United Star Lawrence Shankland
Celtic Interest to Present Biggest Obstacle for Southampton
According to a report from Colin Duncan of the Scottish Sun, Southampton have now joined the chase to try and sign Dundee United star Lawrence Shankland. The Scottish Championship forward has attracted quite a bit of interest in recent weeks. Reportedly in the hunt for the Scotland international are Celtic, Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City, and Blackpool.
Of the clubs mentioned, Southampton’s biggest rival would of course be Celtic. The Scottish giants can offer up both league titles and a spot in the UEFA Champions League almost every season. On the other hand, Southampton’s position in the English Premier League would allow Shankland to test himself against some of the best players in the world.
Such a situation could present a major conundrum for a man currently playing in the second tier of Scottish football. It is also because of this aforementioned fact that Shankland has racked up a surprising number of suitors. That said, given his form over the last three years, few supporters north of the border would find this interest surprising. In fact, it’s almost surprising that it took this long for the Glasgow-born forward to be discovered.
Lawrence Shankland: Scotland’s Goalscoring Menace
Joining Dundee United from Ayr United this past summer, Shankland quickly became a fan favourite. Building off his stunning goalscoring record from his time with Ayr, Shankland has managed to rack up 25 goals in 26 appearances for the Tangerines. Combine that with his numbers from his time with Ayr and Shankland has scored a whopping 86 goals over the past two-and-a-half years.
More impressive, however, may be Shankland’s ability to score across different levels of competition. Netting 26 goals during his time with Ayr in the Scottish League One, Shankland continued to perform at a high level despite a jump in competition. Promoted with Ayr to the Championship the next season, Shankland bagged another 24 goals for the Scottish side.
Continuing this impressive run, Shankland maintained his great run of form despite switching clubs this past summer. Signed by Dundee United this past summer, Shankland has now helped propel the Tangerines to the top of the Championship table. 18 points clear of second place, United are clear favorites to earn promotion into the Scottish Premiership this season.
Scotland National Team and Promotion Keep Shankland at Dundee
In fact, it is the above position that has kept Shankland from departing the club this past month. According to a new report from Scott Burns of the Daily Record, Shankland has insisted that he has no desire to depart the club at the moment. The report states that Shankland believes he should remain at Dundee United as he promised to get the club promoted to the Premiership.
Another point made in Burns’ article is Shankland’s desire to play for Scotland in the upcoming Nations League semi-finals. Continuing to perform and score at his current level, Shankland would give Scotland boss Steve Clarke a lot to think about. Despite his lower level of competition, few can argue with Shankland’s current form.
With all of that said, Lawrence Shankland will be a wanted man this summer. Having certainly led Dundee to the Premiership, Shankland could then opt to move on from the Scottish club. Where he goes next is still up in the air. However, regardless of the eventual location, look for Southampton to be involved throughout.
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