Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper wants to sign Southampton forward Che Adams during the summer transfer window, according to Ryan Taylor of The Express.
The Reds are desperate to bolster their ranks ahead of the new season. A lack of depth was evident during Friday night when they were beaten 3-1 by Coventry City in Spain.
Adams is unlikely to come cheap. Southampton aren’t exactly hellbent on selling their player, although they did complete the signing of Joe Aribo yesterday.
The former Rangers man can operate in a similar role to Adams. As a result, it does perhaps increase the likelihood of the Saints considering any move made by Forest.
The 25-year-old has been with Southampton for some years now. He’s developed considerably as a player, although his numbers perhaps don’t do his work rate justice.
He has scored just 21 goals from 110 appearances, with just 12 assists being claimed by the former Birmingham City player. Adams found the net eight times last season and was largely considered a centre-forward.
The report does say that Southampton are unlikely to consider a sale. Adams is one of the options for the striker role at the Saints and they’re unlikely to be willing to sell to another Premier League outfit.
The talented forward is a Scotland international these days too. He’s taken well to football on that stage, scoring six times from 19 appearances in Steve Clarke’s team.
Cooper wants Adams and he could be useful for Forest
The Reds definitely need another striker. Adams can also operate as a number 10 but he is primarily considered a frontman.
Lewis Grabban has rejected the offer of a new deal. That will leave Taiwo Awoniyi and Sam Surridge to fight it out for the striker role in Cooper’s team.
A third talisman is likely to be required and Adams certainly fits the bill of a player that could thrive in Cooper’s setup.
Rumour rating: 7/10 – It does seem incredibly unlikely that Southampton would consider a sale this summer.
Perhaps Adams would be filed under sensible but not exactly awe-inspiring in the minds of supporters.
At 25 though he does have bags of time on his side and the £50,000-a-week player wouldn’t be a bad addition to the ranks.
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