'Tempting' - BBC pundit questions PL club for their 'strange' response to Leeds approach

Noel Whelan has admitted that he finds it strange that Southampton haven't allowed Che Adams to seal a move to Leeds United.

Sky Sports have reported that the Whites have seen a third loan-to-buy offer rejected, despite including a £20million obligation.

That move would give the Premier League club a £5million profit from what they paid Birmingham City in the summer for the 23-year-old.

The BBC pundit has questioned the Saints, and more importantly their decision to keep hold of Adams this month.

"I do find it strange that £20million for Che Adams, who cost them £15million, has done pretty much nothing at Southampton, they don't see that as a tempting deal," he said on the Noel Whelan show on Friday.

Responding to BBC journalist Adam Pope claiming he refuses to rule anything out as any deal could change in the next week, Whelan seemed to agree.

"Yeah it's mad, and people make decisions. They could get another striker through the door, we don't know that, which then allows that freedom for Che Adams and for Leeds United to pursue that avenue."

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has already reiterated that his side don't need to sell anyone this month, putting great doubt behind any move for Adams.

Whelan certainly has a point though. The latest Leeds proposal would have given the Saints a £5million profit for a player who has only started eight games in the Premier League, and has yet to find the back of the net.

The former Leeds striker may not have to wait too long to see the Whites bring in a forward though, with L'Equipe reporting that Red Bull Leipzig's Jean-Kevin Augustin is set to complete a move to Elland Road this month.

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