BBC journalist shares what Bielsa said when asked if Che Adams was wanted by Leeds
Marcelo Bielsa has refused to rubbish reports that Leeds United are interested in signing Southampton striker Che Adams this month.
Phil Hay recently reported on The Athletic’s Transfer Daily podcast that Leeds have a “confidence” they can sign the 23-year-old before the January transfer window slams shut this month but Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has been dismissive of the rumours.
On Friday, Hasenhuttl ruled out the possibility of Adams leaving St Mary’s amid speculation surrounding his future there.
Bielsa did not confirm nor deny whether Leeds were interested in the former Birmingham and Sheffield United striker in his press conference on Friday but he did say that a replacement for Eddie Nketiah must have similar attributes to the England Under-21 international and current starter Patrick Bamford.
BBC Radio Leeds journalist Adam Pope shared via his personal Twitter account that he’d asked about Adams on Friday and added how Bielsa responded.
Bielsa’s not just going to come out and say ‘yes, we are interested’ or ‘no, we do not want him’. However, a journalist still has to ask these kinds of questions.
Bielsa is never one to give much away unless he’s talking about his tactics, philosophy or team selection and everything that is done in the transfer market is kept as quiet as possible.
Adams is more than likely on his radar but is he going to want to annoy Hasenhuttl by talking about a player he doesn’t want to leave? No. Is he going to rule out a move for a player he might be trying to lure to Elland Road? No.
There’s still plenty of time left in the transfer window for signings to be made but let’s hope there is some movement in the hunt for a striker in the coming days.
In other Leeds United news, this 24-year-old has proven he should be in the mix for a spot at Euro 2020.