Fourteen days after Che Adams’ Southampton contract expired, the club are still none the wiser as to whether the striker will sign a new deal or move elsewhere.
Russell Martin is keen to get his business done early this summer ahead of Southampton‘s return to the Premier League to give himself as much time as possible to work with his new players.
That has already seen the club make five senior signings, with Japan international Yukinari Sugawara soon to be confirmed as the sixth.
However, there is one issue that is rumbling on this summer and that is the future of Che Adams.
The 28-year-old striker’s contract expired at the start of June but the club is yet to confirm his departure as they did when Stuart Armstrong’s deal ended, with discussions between the club and player ongoing.
A new twist has now emerged, with another club entering the race to sign the forward who is available for free.
Torino enter the race for Che Adams amid Southampton contract offer
Adams had a contract offer on the table for most of last season, with the Scotland international refusing to commit his future to the club during the Championship promotion-winning campaign.
Southampton getting promoted changes things somewhat, as it is highly unlikely Adams would have considered staying if the club remained in the second tier given he had Premier League interest.
Everton have been long-term admirers of the forward, but it is Nottingham Forest and Wolves who have seemingly been pushing hardest to sign Adams this summer; surprise interest from Saudi Arabia only adding to the speculation.
- READ MORE: The staggering amount Southampton contract rebel Che Adams will earn if he makes Saudi move
Now, a Serie A club have entered the race, with Torino reportedly interested in talking to the former Birmingham City man.
That is according to The Sun, who printed on Sunday morning that Torino ‘plan to speak’ to Adams and ‘beat Wolves to his signature’.
Southampton must plan for life without Adams
Another interested club thrown into the mix will likely only serve to drag out this transfer saga for even longer.
Southampton are simply not in a position where they can afford to wait with their opening day Premier League fixture away at Newcastle United on 17th August edging ever closer.
Given Adams has been so reluctant to commit his future to the club so far and the fact he has never been a regular goalscorer in the top flight, Southampton could well be best served removing themselves from the race and planning for next season without Adams.
With 15 Championship goals last season, the striker was an important member of the promotion-winning side, but the ongoing drama surrounding his future is only serving to frustrate the club’s fans at this point.
It could be argued that many supporters would be nonplussed if Adams did leave, with an upgrade required ready for the Premier League regardless of his decision.