By George Overhill

3rd Aug, 2022 | 12:40pm

Leeds United: Che Adams stakes raised as Southampton receive approach

The prospects of Leeds United striker target Che Adams making a move look to be increasing after Southampton received an approach.

Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath says a Premier League club have come forward for the Scotland goalscorer after The Sun had reported on 30 July that the Whites were lining up a “surprise” move for him.

Phil Hay in The Athletic felt that it was unlikely, but with the club close to signing him in 2020 and still on the hunt for a forward this summer after failing to sign Charles De Ketelaere they could be in pack of clubs looking at 26-year-old.

McGrath wrote on Twitter on Wednesday morning (3 August): “Southampton have received approach for Che Adams from a Premier League club. Interest in the Scotland striker from a number of teams. Nottingham Forest among those looking at him but there are others”.

Whether the club who have broken ahead of the crowd to approach the Saints actually are Leeds is impossible to tell until further reports emerge, but the chances of him going somewhere certainly look to be increasing.

It is believed that Arnaud Kalimuendo is still a viable option to bring in up front, despite his strong preseason leading to Paris Saint-Germain coach Christrophe Gaultier wanting to keep him.

But if Adams is available for the £10million fee that the Sun report mooted as what they would like to pay for him, it would make some sense.

With Patrick Bamford currently back to full fitness, hitting the net against Cagliari in preseason, and Joe Gelhardt set for increased opportunities after his new long-term contract, it is unclear how many games are available.

So much depends on the current number nine’s fitness, which abandoned him repeatedly last season, but if he can stay available he and Joffy will surely take most of the minutes.

Much as it is undoubtedly attractive to look at the young PSG forward, there is also sense in targeting an option who would not necessarily come in as the new top man.

Adams has scored 16 times in the Premier League over the past two seasons, which is solid output were he to come in to compete with Gelhardt behind Bamford, so he has to be kept on the radar if he is going to move imminently.

In other Leeds United news, another option that the club like for the attacking areas has broken his silence over a Premier League move.