EXCLUSIVE: Ipswich Town and Southampton ‘looking closely’ at Scottish striker who is available for free
EFL Analysis understands that the two sides recently relegated from the Premier League are among several clubs interested in the nine-goal striker.
Following their disappointing relegations from the Premier League back down to the Championship, both Ipswich Town and Southampton are preparing for life in the second tier.
Business has begun at St Mary’s already, with Will Still likely to become the next Southampton manager, and Saints ace Mateus Fernandes on the radar of Crystal Palace.
Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich face a transfer battle to keep Liam Delap beyond this summer, with his successor identified following his impressive top flight campaign.
With both Ipswich and Southampton in the market for reinforcements for their 2025/26 Championship campaign, EFL Analysis understands there is one striker target on the radar of both clubs.
What we know about Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland’s next move
EFL Analysis understands, via information from transfer expert Graeme Bailey, that Ipswich and Southampton are both considering offers for Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland.
The Scottish international also has interest from the MLS, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia as well as clubs in France and Germany.
But EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that the 29-year-old could very well be set for a move to England.
The Hearts captain is available on a free transfer this summer and is poised to leave the SPL side despite newly-appointed boss Derek McInnes “hoping he could stay.”
On Shankland’s future, Bailey added: “Ipswich – in light of losing Delap this summer – want to bolster their attacking options and Shankland is very much on their radar, but they are not alone, with Southampton also looking closely.”
Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland’s career statistics to date
29-year-old Shankland has over 350 professional appearances under his belt, and his impressive record at Hearts highlights why several clubs are interested in the forward’s services for next season.
Shankland has been in impressive form in the Scottish Premier League this season, notching eight goals and eight assists in 32 appearances for Hearts, taking his tally to 68 goals in 137 appearances for the Jambos.
The Scottish forward failed to find the net in six Europa Conference League outings and one Europa League game this season, but notched three in four in the ECL last term.
Seasoned operator Shankland has found the net consistently at other Scottish outfits including Ayr United, Dundee United, and St. Mirren as well as Belgian Pro League side Beerschot.
Whether Ipswich or Southampton land Shankland’s signature, his impressive track record in front of goal should make the Scottish forward a difficult task for Championship defences to deal with next season.
