Leeds United are keen on signing Southampton striker Che Adams on loan in the January transfer window, it has been reported.
The 23-year-old striker moved to the Premier League side from Birmingham City ahead of the 2019-20 season, but he is yet to open his account for the Saints.
As per Mirror, Marcelo Bielsa wants to bring in a striker to replace Eddie Nketiah, who returned to his parent club.
Adams is on the shortlist even though Southampton are not interested in letting him leave as manager Ralph Hasenhuttl wants to have a strong squad that can fight relegation if the situation arrives.
If the Saints do allow Adams to leave, they want a big chunk of the £15 million they paid to sign him.
Adams has played 18 times for Southampton in all competitions. He arrived at the club following a great season with Birmingham City, where he scored 22 goals in the Championship. His contract with Southampton expires only in 2024.
Che Adams – A good option for Leeds United?
Che Adams had a dream season in the Championship last season, where he ended the season as one of the top scorers in the league. The Englishman is a quick and strong striker, who can use his explosive pace to cause problems.
The 23-year-old is a versatile player who can also play out wide on both sides, but his primary position is up front or behind the striker.
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Adams’ pace and confident dribbling allow him to be a big threat on the counter — as displayed against Leicester City on Saturday where he played a hand in Danny Ings’ winner — while he is also a player who can drop deep to help the creative players to create openings.
Leeds United desperately need another striker as the only senior striker in Bielsa’s squad currently is Patrick Bamford, while Tyler Roberts – the other option – has been playing in an attacking midfield/second striker role lately.
Bamford has matched his goal-scoring tally from last season, scoring 10 goals in the first half of the season, but an injury or suspension to him could be a worry for Bielsa.
Adams could be a shrewd loan signing as he is a player who has excelled in the Championship, and it also gives him much-needed playing time. It could be a signing that would benefit both parties.