Not exactly renowned for producing the greatest of footballers, Cyprus have only ever had two of their players in the Premier League: Alexis Nicolas (Chelsea) and Nikodimos Papavasiliou (Newcastle).
However, if Le Parisien are to be believed, the English top-tier could welcome its third very shortly, with Everton, Southampton and Stoke City all reportedly interested in Pieros Sotiriou, according to Le Parisien in France.
The French newspaper report the Premier League trio have enquired about the player’s availability, who currently plays for APOEL Nicosia in his home country.
Having cancelled the deal for Ishak Belfodil, Everton are still a striker short, while Southampton are reportedly trying to force Napoli to lower their demands for Manolo Gabbiadini, leaving Stoke as the odd one out here, recently signing Saido Berahino from West Brom.
Ronald Koeman and Claude Puel will have been encouraged by Sotiriou’s strike rate this season, with the 24-year-old finding the back of the net every 108 minutes in the league, scoring 14 goals in 19 appearances so far this season.
Considering the Toffees was ready to pay €12m for Belfodil and the Saints are offering upwards of €15m for Gabbiadini, Sotiriou’s €3m price tag could end up being one of the bargains of the winter were the transfer to happen and were he to continue his impressive goalscoring in the Premier League.
Even if he doesn’t, it’s probably a gamble worth taking, if the interest is real.
