Wolverhampton Wanderers are closing in on the signing of a striker that has long been linked with amove to Leeds United and nearly arrived under Marcelo Bielsa.
Wolves are in the market for a striker as manager Gary O’Neil looks to add some more firepower in the final third after a successful season in the Premier League at Molineux, and he is set to strike early.
Leeds could also be in the market for a new striker with Joel Piroe’s form being questionable. Despite that, Piroe posted a rallying call to fans on Instagram on Wednesday ahead of the semi-final second leg.
Patrick Bamford has impressed at times and his importance to this Leeds side is undoubted, but his injury problems continue to persist. Mateo Joseph is a real talent, but maybe one for the future at this stage.
The Whites are set to be in the market for a striker and one they have been linked with signing in the summer is Scotland and Southampton star Che Adams, who is about to see his contract expire.
Leeds have been reported as interested in Adams ahead of the summer window, and have been linked plenty of times in the past. But it now looks as if Wolves are closing in on a move:
Wolves closing in on long-term Leeds target Che Adams
Adams has enjoyed a wonderful season for Russell Martin’s Southampton this term, scoring 17 goals and six assists as the Saints look to win the play-offs at Leeds’ expense and return to the Premier League.
But his long-term future is in doubt, given his contract situation. The belief had been that promotion may determine whether he signs a new deal at St. Mary’s, but reports now suggest he is set to join Wolves.
Ben Jacobs confirmed reports on X that Wolves are in advanced talks to land the forward from Southampton on a free, with Adams fighting to be fit for the second leg against West Brom on Friday.
His caption read: “Wolves are in advanced talks with Che Adams. Adams’ Southampton contract expires next month and Wolves are looking for economical options to boost their attack.”
Leeds almost signed Adams while Marcelo Bielsa was manager
Leeds have been linked regularly with Adams over the last few years and it comes after Victor Orta almost struck a deal for the star in January 2020, six months after “outstanding” Adams moved to Southampton.
Orta told the Scouting Hub in 2020: “I have a player that the second week of December is really available for us, near to closing (the deal), and in January not available because he gave an assist against Leicester.”
Whether Adams is truly joining Wolves at such an important time for Southampton remains to be seen, but given his contract situation it does not seem unlikely that he may be about to join Gary O’Neil’s men.