Che Adams, who has been linked with a move to Leeds United this summer, was an unused substitute in Southampton's 4-1 defeat at Tottenham on Saturday. Head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl said other players 'deserved' to start more than the Scotland international.
Even with five substitutes now allowed in the Premier League, Adams didn't make his way onto the pitch in the defeat in North London. Adams, who was heavily linked with a move to Elland Road in January 2020, is once again being linked as the Whites continue their search for a striker.
Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in the seemingly out-of-favour Southampton striker. The Athletic have reported that Southampton are willing to sell Adams this summer.
When asked by HampshireLive what Adams needs to do to get back into the Saints team, Hasenhuttl said: “I think everybody should step up, because this is not enough what we’re doing so far."
Instead of starting Adams, a natural number nine, Hasenhuttl played Joe Aribo as a makeshift striker alongside Adam Armstrong. Another attacking midfield player, Stuart Armstrong, replaced the latter during the half-time interval.
“I think they deserved to play because they had a good pre-season and scored goals," said Hasenhuttl. "In the end, Arma (Adam Armstrong) got the chance today to start because he was the most successful striker in pre-season for us. He deserved it I think.”
Leeds travel to Southampton on Saturday, August 13.
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