Everton are ‘very keen’ on signing Southampton striker Che Adams in what remains of the current transfer window, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The 26-year-old will reportedly be allowed to depart St. Mary’s this summer after slipping down Ralph Hasenhuttl’s pecking order following three productive seasons under the Austrian tactician.

What is the latest news involving Adams?

A recent report from The Athletic has revealed that Everton are ‘exploring’ a loan-to-buy deal for Adams as they look to provide cover and competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin upfront.

It’s claimed that an approach has been made in the last week or so and that while Southampton’s ‘public stance’ is that the Scotland international is not for sale, privately the club are ‘understood to be willing to sanction his departure’.

Adams, who still has two years remaining on his £52,000-per-week contract, is believed to be available for around £15 million, the same fee that the Saints paid Birmingham City for his services.

The likes of Leeds United and Nottingham Forest have also been credited with an interest in the forward, though, meaning Everton may have to move quickly to fend off the competition.

Anthony Gordon has played through the middle in the Toffees’ opening two Premier League games of the season due to Calvert-Lewin’s latest fitness setback and Frank Lampard will surely be eager to address the club’s shortcomings in the final third of the pitch.

What has Crook said about Adams?

Crook has informed GiveMeSport that he believes Southampton ‘just laughed off’ Everton’s initial proposal for Adams and that any pursuit may be hampered by Financial Fair Play restrictions.

In an interview with GMS, he said: “I think it's difficult because Everton are very keen. But again, they're battling against Financial Fair Play restrictions.

“I think Southampton just laughed off their proposal to take him on loan with an obligation to buy.”

Would Adams be a good signing?

Adams arrived at Southampton back in 2019, and despite an indifferent opening 12 months on the south coast, he has established himself as a solid Premier League performer since.

In 2020/21, the 5 foot 10 ace registered nine goals and five assists in 36 top-flight outings, backing that up with seven strikes and three assists in 30 league games last term.

Those tallies saw Adams become Southampton’s second-top scorer in the Premier League on both occasions behind Danny Ings and then James Ward-Prowse.

If Adams can replicate that sort of form in the blue half of Merseyside, then he could become a fans’ favourite should he make the switch to Everton.