{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Phil Hay has been called about Che Adams for past two years in Leeds United transfer news
Phil Hay admits that he has had calls about Che Adams potentially signing for Leeds for at least two years as links persist over a January move.
The Saints striker is currently out of contract in the summer of 2024 and with Leeds determined to sign a new striker in the January transfer window, the Scotland international’s name has once again been mentioned.
But the state of their pursuit has now been highlighted by The Athletic‘s Hay, who admits that he is unaware of any talks over a new deal at St Mary’s that could stop Leeds signing him if they finally decide to pull the trigger.
“For a couple of years now, almost every transfer window has involved someone phoning me about Che Adams at Southampton,” he said.
“Leeds’ interest there goes back to January 2020 and while it feels as if the fire has gone out of that one somewhat, his contract is up in 2024 and to the best of my knowledge there have been no meaningful discussions about a new one.
“He’s somebody who Leeds thought would work for them in the past.”
Subscribe to Football Insider TV now
Time is now
Leeds need a goalscorer, and while Adams’ goal record doesn’t particularly say that he is the answer, the time to make a move is surely either now or never.
Adams is 26 now and will turn 27 before the new season starts, and with 18 months left on his current contract it seems as though his next contract will be his final big one in his peak.
That means a transfer elsewhere or a new contract with Southampton would almost certainly rule out a future move to Elland Road, making all the scouting and enquiries over the year completely worthless.
His goal record of just 24 Premier League goals in 112 appearances doesn’t bring great confidence that he’s the answer to the problem we have, but if the club are going to make their move then there is no point waiting any longer.
A more cerebral and reliable goalscorer would be preferred, but Adams would definitely be better than no addition at all and is one to be seriously considered one final time.
In other Leeds news, Phil Hay shares if ace will leave Elland Road in January after major transfer news