Leeds United awaiting response from Southampton after latest Che Adams offer

Southampton's Che Adams remains a Leeds United target (Pic: Getty)

The Saints turned down the Whites’ first offer for the striker, who is their number one transfer target for this month’s transfer window.

But the YEP understands the Premier League outfit are yet to respond to the latest offer, despite their manager’s public insistence that Adams is going nowhere.

Ralph Hasenhüttl brought Adams off the bench against Leicester City on Saturday and the 23-year-old set up the winning goal.

He has addressed Leeds’ interest in the forward in the media, making it clear that Adams is very much part of his plans and an important striking option. Danny Ings, Shane Long and Michael Obafemi are the others who make up Southampton’s attack.

“I wouldn’t consider loaning him out, I need every player, especially in an attacking position as we don’t have many,” he said recently.

Leeds remain hopeful, however, that a deal can be reached and evidently believe the player would be open to a move. The lack of rejection for their offer suggests the door is still open.

Patrick Bamford is the only senior out and out striker in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad and although Tyler Roberts has played up front, he is currently ‘in the recovery process’ after injury, according to the Whites head coach.

Adams’ power, mobility and finishing prowess have made him Leeds’ ideal replacement for Eddie Nketiah, who was recalled by Arsenal at the start of the transfer window.

Former Sheffield United and Birmingham City striker Adams is yet to find the net for Southampton and has made just eight starts in the Premier League since a reported £15m move from the Blues last summer.

Bielsa would not be drawn on the pursuit of Adams specifically, but has said they want to get a striker in quickly and someone who is as good as, if not better than Nketiah is required.

Leeds are expected to sign teenage goalkeeper Elia Caprile, who was in the city over the weekend and attended the game against Sheffield Wednesday. His move from Chievo Verona is pending FA ratification.