EVERTON are reportedly ‘exploring’ a loan to buy deal for Saints striker Che Adams, despite the St Mary’s side’s public stance that he is not for sale.

Adams, 26, has been subject to reports of interest from the likes of Nottingham Forest and Leeds United already this summer.

The former Birmingham City striker, who joined Saints in a £15million deal three years ago, was left as an unused substitute during the 4-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Now, The Athletic report that Saints, despite reiterating publicly Adams is not for sale, are privately willing to sanction his departure. 

They add an approach from Premier League rivals Everton is thought to have been made in the last few days, with injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin out for the next four weeks.

Saints are said to be considering a number of alternative forward targets, should Adams depart this summer – while manager Ralph Hasenhuttl fielded two midfielders up front at the weekend.

Adams still has two years remaining on his contract and has scored 20 goals in 96 Premier League matches since his arrival from the Championship, hitting seven last campaign.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News