'The word from down south' – Phil Hay delivers Leeds update on Che Adams as Nketiah exits

Leeds United have installed Che Adams as their number one target this January. 

That came from Phil Hay but it left a lot of fans nonplussed.

Adams started two games for Southampton over the Christmas break although he was an unused sub today.

Many Leeds fans think Adams is an impossibility given that.

However, Hay has given Leeds fans fresh hope. And a new striker is now a must after Marcelo Bielsa confirmed that Eddie Nketiah would be leaving Leeds after the 1-1 draw against West Brom.

Talking after the West Brom game on The Athletic, Hay said "The word from down south is that Southampton want to get a striker in.

"If they do, it's likely that Adams will become available. Leeds think they can compete for his signature (on loan) although it looks ever more like Bamford is a fixture up front.

"Will Adams play? That's a question he'd probably ask himself."

Today's game showed that Leeds need a new striker, and one who fits in with the Bielsa system better than Eddie Nketiah.

He was out of sorts today and was hooked at half-time. It proved to be his last appearance for Leeds.

As for Adams, would a Premier League striker – albeit one who isn't starting regularly or scoring – be prepared to drop down a division to sit on the bench?

That doesn't really tell the whole story. Adams was on fire in the Championship last season. He's not Nketiah, he's the finished product.

He will be convinced that he can win the jersey from Bamford and never underestimate the lure of playing and learning under Bielsa.

This one has plenty of mileage left in it.

In other Leeds United news, 'Garbage', 'Shocking' – Many Leeds fans slam player after 'horrible' display v West Brom