Exclusive: Big update on Southampton & Leicester striker race

Panathinaikos want to keep Southampton and Leicester target Fotis Ioannidis until their Europa League fate is sealed, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (12 August) that the two clubs are now battling to sign the 24-year-old striker after the Foxes submitted a £23million offer.

Panathinaikos are currently in European qualifiers and could yet progress to the league phase of the Europa League via the play-off round.

However, they are 1-0 down on aggregate heading into a third qualifying round second-leg clash with Ajax in Amsterdam on Thursday (15 August).

But in a new twist in the race for his signature, it is believed the Greek side could keep hold of Ioannidis until their European fate is sealed – with a play-off clash in the Uefa Conference League coming if Ajax beat them this week.

Ioannidis exit will be delayed in Southampton & Leicester twist

Sources say the money on offer is “huge” for Panathinaikos and Ioannidis is fully expected to leave before the 30 August deadline, even if they qualify for the Europa League.

Ioannidis came off the bench last week in the 1-0 home loss against Ajax to make his first appearance of the 2024-25 campaign.

He enjoyed a career-best season in 2023-24, hitting 23 goals and nine assists in 44 games across all competitions and winning the Greek Cup.

It is believed Ipswich Town launched a bid for the Greece international earlier this summer, while Lazio and Sporting CP are also admirers of the striker’s talents.

His contract at Panathinaikos runs until June 2027.

In other news, Liverpool make Ben Doak transfer decision amid Leicester update.

For more Leicester and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Exclusive: Big update on Southampton & Leicester striker race appeared first on Football Insider.