Leeds United are now unlikely to sign Southampton striker Che Adams this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton.

The Lowdown: Long-term interest

Recent reports suggest that Jesse Marsch is making a new forward his transfer priority in the final few days of the transfer window, with the likes of Hwang Hee-chan and Ben Brereton Diaz having been linked with a move to Elland Road.

In addition, one name which has consistently cropped up is Che Adams from Premier League rivals Southampton, and the Whites have been pursuing him ever since 2020.

The Saints striker has been rumoured to be on the move to Elland Road again in recent weeks after claims emerged that the south coast club would be willing to cash in on him, but it appears that the reverse is now true.

The Latest: Adams move not imminent

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Thornton shared Leeds’ transfer stance on a potential deal for Adams before the end of the window.

He said: “I think that was one that they were looking at in the past. While obviously there’s still an interest and he’s still the same player that they identified, he’s in-form at the moment with a couple of goals [recently].

“So I think, again, if he was to become available there’s a chance but he’s not a name that I’m being told is imminent for Leeds.”

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The Verdict: Time to move on

Hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by sports journalist Josh Bunting having scored 78 goals across his senior career, it’s understandable to see why Leeds have pursued Adams for the past two years.

However, Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani have fully backed Marsch this summer by bringing in seven new signings, so you might begin to wonder why a move has never happened for a player in Adams in whom they’ve seemingly held such a long-standing interest.

The Scotland striker has started the new campaign on fire, having netted four times in three outings, and Southampton will surely be keen to keep hold of him.

That could leave the Whites better off pursuing other targets like Wilfried Gnonto, for whom they are believed to be in pole position following the agreement of personal terms.