Everton are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Southampton striker Che Adams on a loan-to-buy deal this summer.
According to The Athletic, Everton have made an approach to sign Southampton striker Che Adams on an initial loan deal, with an option to buy him permanently amid interest from fellow Premier League outfit Leeds United.
Frank Lampard has already bolstered his depleted defensive options with the additions of Conor Coady (on loan), James Tarkowski (free transfer) and Ruben Vinagre (on loan) while adding more steel to the engine room with the signings of Amadou Onana from Lille. In addition, Idrissa Gueye could also be on his way to Goodison Park.
The Everton manager is now likely to turn his attention to sorting out the offensive unit next. With Richarlison joining Tottenham Hotspur, Dominic Calvert-Lewin out for six weeks due to injury, and Solomon Rondon demonstrating his incapacity in the Premier League, the Toffees require a striker.
As a result, a host of players, like Armando Broja, Sasa Kalajdzic and Serhou Guirassy, continue to be mentioned in the Everton rumour mill. Adams is also firmly on Everton’s radar, according to The Athletic. The report adds that while Southampton’s public stance on the fan favourite is that he is not for sale, privately they are open to bids to continue investing in young talents available in the market.
The 26-year-old joined Southampton from Birmingham City in a £15 million deal three years ago and has become a steady asset during his time at the Premier League. To date, Adams has made 110 appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals and laying on a further 12 in the form of assists along the way.
Last season, the Scottish striker was directly involved in ten goals in 30 Premier League outings for the Saints. But despite having two years left on his existing deal, Adams is staring at an uncertain future at St. Mary’s as he was an unused substitute in their 4-1 defeat away to Tottenham on the opening day, indicating he has dropped down the pecking order under Ralph Hasenhuttl.
The Scottish striker has been subject to reports of interest from the likes of Nottingham Forest and Leeds United already this summer, although the former have cooled their interest in him. Everton have now joined the fray and would like to take Adams on loan in a deal that could lead to a permanent purchase option next summer.
Primarily a centre-forward, Adams has also showcased the versatility to play on the flanks or through the middle as a number 10. So, he would be a useful addition at Everton, who could benefit from his hold-up and sharp-shooting attributes. At 26, Adams is at the peak of his powers and already boasts significant Premier League experience.
That said, there are conflicting reports over whether or not the Saints will actually be willing to let him leave, with talkSPORT reporting that they have no plans to sell their prized asset this summer despite heavy outside interest. So it will be interesting to see whether Everton can iron out their preferred loan-to-buy deal for the Scottish international here.
