Southampton coach Nathan Jones has ruled out a January move to Premier League rivals Everton for striker Che Adams, speaking to Hampshire Live.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Neal Maupay netting just two top-flight goals between them so far this term, one wonders exactly what Che Adams would really bring to the Goodison Park table.
The Scotland international missed a glorious opportunity during last week’s EFL Cup semi-final first leg defeat to Newcastle United. That, in some ways, was the story of Adams’ season. Clever movement and no shortage of effort or endeavour. But, when it comes to sticking the ball into the back of the net, that is often where Adams falls short.
Nonetheless, Jones has no intention of cashing in on a player who, while frustratingly erratic in the final third, remains a key part of his plans at St Mary’s.
“Let’s be honest, (selling Adams to Everton is) not going to happen,” insists the former Luton Town coach.
Southampton striker Che Adams is reportedly a target for Sean Dyche’s Everton
Southampton paid £15 million to sign 26-year-old Adams from Birmingham City in the summer of 2019. He’s started 17 Premier League games this season, although the one-time Sheffield United starlet now faces serious competition from the inexperienced but promising Sekou Mara.
The Saints remain the market for another attacker before Tuesday’s deadline. Proposed deals for Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson and FC Lorient’s Terem Moffi appear highly unlikely. Bamba Dieng, meanwhile, joined Lorient as a potential Moffi replacemnet over the weekend.
“I can’t say anything on any names,” Jones adds. “And it’d be wrong to do that because there’s nothing definitive in any one of our deals.
“What we are doing is working tirelessly to try and improve the squad. We want to get one (new signing) in. We’ve worked so hard to get one in, but there’ll be certain constraints.
“And, also, we have to improve significantly because I don’t want a knee jerk (addition). I don’t want to get just anyone in just to hopefully give us something but then put the future of the club in jeopardy. We wouldn’t want to do that.
“We have players here that are capable of scoring goals (and) we have to work with those and improve that ratio. And, if we can, can give them help.”
Southampton’s relegation rivals Everton finally conformed the appointment of Sean Dyche as Frank Lampard’s replacement on Monday. The Toffees could reportedly make a late move for West Ham veteran Michail Antonio.
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