FORMER PAOK striker Michalis Iordanidis believes his old club will benefit from Antonio Colak's imminent departure - because he 'couldn't cope' with the demands of Greek football.

The 28-year-old sealed a move to Thessaloniki in 2020 for a fee of around €3million and has gone on to make 38 appearances in all competitions but has scored just four goals in that time.

The Croatian joined Swedish champions Malmo on loan in March 2020 where he fared far better, resulting of a return of 19 goals in 40 outings.

Rangers are in negotiations to bring the centre-forward to Ibrox but Iordanidis will not be sorry to see Colak leave.

Speaking to Greek outlet Metrosport, Iordanidis was discussing the striking options available to PAOK for the upcoming season and the club's pursuit to find another forward to challenge first pick Nelson Oliveira for a place in the starting line-up.

"Strikers are in demand in Europe," he said. "Oliveira came back from his injury, he performed well and now Colak will go.

"Oliveira cost a lot and I think he will be the first [choice], but there has to be one more, either for the 4-4-2, or as a substitute in case of injury.

"Colak we saw was expensive, but it didn't work out as he expected. He couldn't cope."