Southampton selection policy outlined as Leeds United offered transfer opportunity

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has been quizzed on Che Adams’ place in his squad amid reports linking the striker with a move to Leeds United this month.

Leeds are known to be on the lookout for a striker to come in and boost Jesse Marsch’s squad for the remainder of 2022/23.

Adams is someone that has been on the radar before, with The Athletic suggesting that Leeds have the opportunity to sign the Scotland international, who Southampton are willing to move on.

Further fuelling that has been Adams’ omission from Hasenhuttl’s first XI of the season, where Joe Aribo started and Stuart Armstrong was used from the bench, despite neither being recognised strikers.

As quoted by Hampshire Live, Hasenhuttl addressed his selection policy.

“I think everybody should step up, because this is not enough what we’re doing so far.

“I think they deserved to play because they had a good pre-season and scored goals. In the end, Arma (Adam Armstrong, who started with Aribo in the defeat to Tottenham) got the chance today to start because he was the most successful striker in pre-season for us. He deserved it I think.”

Adams has scored 20 goals and registered 10 assists across three seasons in the Premier League for the Saints.

Leeds’ interest has been noted this summer, although it’s also been outlined on The Athletic how the 26-year-old isn’t a priority.

Should Leeds pursue a deal for Adams?

Yes

No

Once you start piecing everything together, you do feel like there’s an opportunity there for Leeds to get Adams if they want him.

If he’s not getting into a Southampton side that’s been battered 4-1 by Tottenham, when Hasenhuttl can use five subs in 90 minutes, he’s clearly way down the pecking order.

Adams, for what it’s worth, would be someone that Leeds could find a real use for in both a 4-2-3-1 and 4-2-2-2, as the Scot compliments Patrick Bamford well.

Whether Leeds decide to pursue a striker seriously remains to be seen, but there’s a hope amongst fans that they do.

If it is to be Adams, the deal feels there to be done.

Leeds face Adams’ Southampton on Saturday at St Mary’s.

Quiz: Do you remember Leeds United’s last 15 results v Southampton?

1 of 15

April 2022, Elland Road?

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