Leeds United engaging agents and clubs for striker options, still hope for Che Adams despite reports Southampton will keep him

Reports in Southampton have suggested the Saints are simply not willing to let Leeds take the striker and with just over a fortnight left in the transfer window, the Whites – determined not to enter February empty handed – are engaging agents and clubs for other targets.

Adams, a powerful frontman who hit the net 22 times in the Championship for Birmingham last season, is still viewed as an ideal addition to Marcelo Bielsa’s squad.

Members of the media close to Southampton are being briefed that Adams is going no where, a message reiterated by Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl and Leeds cannot afford to be drawn into the same kind of scenario that saw them miss out on their January 2019 top target, Dan James, in the final stages of deadline day.

The need for a striker to replace Eddie Nketiah, recalled by Arsenal at the start of this month, means Leeds are looking elsewhere and registering interest in frontmen who have scored goals in the Championship and above.

And as reported by the YEP last week, a European target with goals at international level remains an option and Billy Sharp was being considered earlier in the window, although Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has insisted his club captain still has a contribution to make for the Premier League side.

Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle, wanted by a number of Leeds’ promotion rivals, would require a serious financial outlay in terms of wages and an obligation to buy, but a current hamstring injury would be a major stumbling block for United given Bielsa’s desire to get a forward in ‘quickly’ as stated last week. The Argentine also spoke recently of the natural need for any new signing to go through an 'adaptation process' when bedding into a new side and playing system.

Meanwhile Manchester City winger Ian Poveda is still expected in Leeds to discuss a potential move this week.