Forget Ross Stewart: Southampton have 3 alternatives Tonda Eckert must eye ft Leeds & Coventry stars | OneFootball

The Saints have several alternatives to the Scotland international they must consider.

Ross Stewart's immediate future is up in the air after leaving Southampton, and although he could return to St Mary's, there are several upgrades they should consider.

The striker left the South Coast club when his contract expired at the end of June, but it was a complex situation as Saints attempted to activate a one-year extension, but reportedly failed to agree terms on a fresh deal.

Tonda Eckert has been coy on a potential return for the Scotland international, who bagged 11 goals in all competitions last season, with the German revealing he is still in contact with the forward and that he could yet return to Southampton.

While re-signing the 30-year-old is a credible option, there are other forwards the club should be eyeing instead, as FLW supplies three alternatives.

Joel Piroe

One player who is surely available this summer is Leeds United's Joel Piroe, who has fallen out of favour at Elland Road following the club's promotion to the Premier League.

The striker bagged 19 goals in the Peacocks' 2024/25 Championship promotion campaign, claiming the Golden Boot in the process, and while he started the opening two games of the top-flight season, he only featured for a further 110 minutes in the league.

Piroe has a stellar record in the second tier, bagging 73 goals in four campaigns for Leeds and Swansea City, which averages at just over 18 a season.

Given that Southampton are a possession-based team with lethal attacking players such as Finn Azaz and Leo Scienza, he would receive good service and plenty of opportunities.

Divin Mubama

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Southampton supporters might point to Divin Mubama's goal tally with Stoke City last term as a reason not to pursue him, but there are so many reasons why he would be a worthwhile acquisition.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan with the Potters, bagging five goals, including an impressive hat-trick against Bristol City, but had his season ended prematurely after breaking his leg in mid-January.

His record at youth level is outstanding, as he notched 79 goals in 111 appearances at various ages for West Ham and Manchester City, and another Championship move could help him reach his seismic potential.

Not only is he a player with a high ceiling, but his finishing instinct, ability to press and run in behind would cause defenders all sorts of problems, while the quality of players around him would help him thrive.

Ellis Simms

While he may have just been promoted with Coventry City, there is every chance Ellis Simms could become available as the summer progresses.

Simms bagged 13 goals in 43 appearances for the title-winners last season, but he has struggled for consistency during his career, and that was the case again as he went 18 games without a goal, losing his place in Frank Lampard's side, before banging in a hat-trick on the final day.

The 25-year-old already has Haji Wright and Brandon Thomas-Asante for competition up top, and if the Sky Blues bring in another forward then he could fall down the pecking order.

He has an encouraging record at Championship level, notching 40 goals in 145 second-tier appearances and would be a more like-for-like replacement for Stewart, with his physical presence and ability to stretch defences a huge plus.