Southampton are gearing up for their Championship play-off final against Leeds United but in the background, Russell Martin is ironing out plans for next season.
Russell Martin’s Southampton are one game away from reaching the Premier League.
Widely dubbed the ‘most expensive game’ in football, the Saints will take on Leeds in their all-black strip hoping to return to the top flight.
The South Coasters hold a psychological edge over their opponents having beaten them twice in the league, claiming victory at Elland Road on the final day of the season.
All eyes will be on whether Southampton can make it a third win over the Whites in 2023/24 as supporters descend towards Wembley Stadium.
Despite not knowing what division they’ll be playing in next season, Martin is still looking at recruits in the window, with one talented striker now firmly on their radar.
Southampton eye move for Bojan Miovski
Southampton have a history of plucking some of the best talents from the Scottish Premiership.
Having previously signed Virgil van Dijk, Stuart Armstrong and Joe Aribo from Scotland’s top flight, it’s an area they’ve had a lot of luck over the years.
According to the Daily Mail, the Saints are looking to repeat their previous success by landing Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski.
The 24-year-old North Macedonian striker is expected to leave Pittodrie after scoring 26 goals in all competitions this term.
Southampton are on the lookout for a new forward with Che Adams poised to depart St Marys once his contract expires, with Miovski a potentially cost-efficient replacement.
The report claims he could be available for £6 million this summer but with Champions League clubs Feyenoord and Celtic showing an interest, only the prospect of Premier League football could persuade him to join the Saints.
Neil Warnock is a big fan of Bojan Miovski
Neil Warnock was placed in interim charge of Aberdeen in February till the end of the season, with the 75-year-old now replaced by Jimmy Thelin.
In his 44-year managerial career, Warnock has managed thousands of players but remarkably, he’s selected Miovski as the best striker he’s ever had, which is huge praise for the talented goal machine.
Speaking to Aberdeen Live in February, the veteran boss said: “What can you say about him? Believe it or not, I said to him score a couple of goals and come off at half-time, or if you want 15 more minutes you can have 15 minutes to get your hat-trick and he scored two goals! We had a wink at each other when he got his goals.
“He wanted to stay on a bit longer. He is just a top finisher. I’ve always struggled with strikers if I’m honest, all through my career.
“I’ve been good at goalies and centre-halves and midfielders but never really with a striker. It’s ironic isn’t it coming to this stage of my career I’ve got probably the best one I’ve ever had.”
For that praise to come from Warnock – who has won an English record eight promotions and managed the most games – is incredible and just shows what a talent he is.
If Southampton can get their hands on the “brilliant” striker this summer, the early signs suggest he could be the next world-beating Scottish Premiership export.