SAINTS manager Russell Martin confirmed the club had rejected a bid for Che Adams earlier in the summer after the striker netted the winner in the Championship opener.

Adams scored in the 87th-minute of a 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday after Adam Armstrong was credited following Nathan Tella’s early strike brushing him en route to goal.

The Daily Echo understands the offer was from Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth and no further proposal has been made for the 27 year old.

Adams started the fixture on the bench with Armstrong preferred, and Martin insists he is happy with his forwards – unless one leaves.

Speaking after the match at Wednesday, Martin explained: “I think it’s going to be very fluid, they are both top quality.

“Obviously, that’s as long as we keep both of them. If one leaves, we will have to replace him,” the boss said.

“It was the hardest decision in the team picking which one to play. I think there is a way we can get both on the pitch but not tonight.

“They both got a goal, albeit Arma’s was a bit different! I’m delighted with the way Che reacted to not playing, it was amazing – a brilliant energy in the group.

“He’s a great character, so respectful and honest. There’s a lot of noise around him, we turned down a bid for him a couple of weeks ago and nothing has happened since.

“The way he has dealt with that has been amazing, and the reception he got from the Sheffield Wednesday fans getting off the bus – having played for United – I’m delighted he scored.”