Adams Completes Saints Switch

Southampton have completed the signing of forward Che Adams, 22, from Birmingham City in a reported £15million deal. Saints had been tracking Adams for some time, having seen a bid knocked back in May, and are understood to have beaten off competition from a number of Premier League rivals.

The striker, who managed 22 goals and six assists in 48 appearances for the Blues last season, has agreed a five-year deal at St Mary’s. “I’m delighted,” Adams told the club’s website. “There was interest in January when it didn’t quite happen, but I’m happy now that it’s all gone through.

“You can see with the track history – the amount of young players they’re playing, the gaffer’s belief in the young players, the squad in itself – where the club is going to be. I want to be part of that.” Adams becomes Southampton’s second signing of the summer window, following the capture of Mali international winger Moussa Djenep from Standard Liege.

Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “Che fits the profile of player we want to bring to Southampton and is very driven to show what he can do at the highest level.

“We have been monitoring his progress for some time now. He has shown a desire to join us above all other clubs, which shows the positive reputation Southampton has built for developing young players. “I am delighted to have signed Che and Moussa ahead of the start of pre-season. They are both young, dynamic players with the level of enthusiasm and hunger we are looking for that can help us improve as a team.”