Southampton have added Sekou Mara to their ranks over the summer and they have also been chasing further forwards in Liam Delap and Armando Broja.
Unfortunately, deals for the Manchester City and Chelsea pair appear to be unlikely now.
What’s the word?
Although the Saints have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring a further offensive option to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s ranks, they have been handed some positive news over the weekend.
That’s according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay who weighed in on rumours linking Che Adams with a move to Leeds United.
Writing in a recent Q&A in pre-season, Hay said: “You might have seen Che Adams’ name resurfacing today, although my understanding is that he’s not someone Leeds are focusing on as a priority at this stage.”
Fans will love it
This will come as great news for the fanbase at St Mary’s who will no doubt be delighted to see the likelihood of the player remaining on the south coast enhanced.
Adams hasn’t exactly been too prolific since his move from Birmingham City but the striker is still a hugely influential figure for Southampton.
Last term, the 26-year-old found the net on eight occasions in 33 outings, meaning he was the club’s third top goalscorer, only behind the departed Broja and James Ward-Prowse.
As a result, it is imperative that they either sign another forward or keep Adams at the club with a considerable amount of firepower already lost this summer.
Of course, the addition of Mara will no doubt smooth proceedings but there is no guarantee he’ll hit the ground running in English football immediately.
Thus, keeping the Scotland international in Hasenhuttl’s armoury should be a number one priority in the closing month of the transfer window.
He is now entering his prime and maturing with age as he becomes a more clinical and experienced player in the top flight.
The attacker will no doubt need to begin firing more regularly but losing him to a league rival who could well be fighting for a similar place in the division would be a decision that lacks a huge amount of sense.
Consequently, supporters should be incredibly pleased to hear that Leeds are focusing on other avenues first.
