Leeds United move still a possibility for Southampton striker Che Adams
Southampton striker Che Adams could still depart for Leeds this month - despite boss Ralph Hassenhuttl wanting him to stay.
Adams only made the switch to the south coast in the summer - joining from Birmingham for a £15million fee.
The striker has been unable to establish himself as a regular in the side. Although he started Saints' games against Chelsea and Crystal Palace over the Christmas period.
He also assisted Jake Vokins' late strike in their recent FA Cup third round victory over Huddersfield.
That added to the one Premier League assist currently on his tally, which came after he won a penalty in Southampton's 3-1 home defeat to Bournemouth in late September.
Leeds have identified Adams as their number one target to replace Eddie Nketiah this month after he was recalled by Arsenal.
Despite the speculation linking Adams with a move away, Saints boss Hassenhuttl was eager to outline that he wants the player to stay at the club.
"No because we need every player," he told Radio Solent about the possibility of Adams leaving.
"Not only just because of injury but he can help us. Even though he hasn't scored he played a very good game against Chelsea.
"He’s a positive guy and I want him here. We're working with him every day, showing him videos and telling him what he has to do.
"This is something of an investment in the future. We were convinced when we took him and we’re still convinced about him."
However, Sporting Life understands that Southampton are looking to bring in another striker this month and Adams would be keen on a potential switch to join up with Marcelo Bielsa's side.
Leeds are also believed to be confident with the offer of more regular football. Adams played just 41 Premier League minutes for Southampton between the beginning of October and Boxing Day.
Despite a positive performance against Chelsea, the striker returned to the bench for their 1-0 home win against Tottenham on New Year's Day.
Should a striker arrive before the conclusion of the window, the 23-year-old could be free to leave St. Mary's on a temporary basis.
Adams scored 22 goals during a solid campaign with Birmingham last season and his current club are eager for him to find that goal-scoring touch again.
EFL title sponsors Sky Bet make the current Championship leaders the stand-out 11/10 option to become Adams' next club before 3rd February.
Leeds head coach Bielsa did confirm that they are actively searching for an Nketiah replacement in his pre-Sheffield Wednesday press conference.
"Nketiah was a brilliant option for us," he told the media.
"Now we are going to look for one option that has to be very good as well.
"The same or better than Nketiah, but it's necessary to know about the process, the time needed.
"We are not going to choose one player that justifies us in front of the public, but doesn't make us strong as a team."
Discussing the possibility of Adams coming in, Bielsa refused to mention names but outlined what he is looking for in their new forward.
"I don't like to make reference about options when we don't know if they are going to come," he continued.
"Bamford and Nketiah have a lot of common points between them - a player with those characteristics.
"When you look at those two players you can imagine which sort of player we are expecting to arrive."
Odds correct at 1635 GMT (09/01/20)
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