Southampton boss expects striker Adams to reject contract offer amid interest from Premier League rivals

Southampton boss Russel Martin has confirmed no contract renewal agreement has been reached with Che Adams.

Adams netted a club-best 16 league goals last season, as Southampton completed a return to the Premier League, after just one campaign in the second tier.

However, despite ongoing talks with Adams following his return from Euro 2024 duty with Scotland, the striker is currently a free agent.

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He is available to join another club, with rumoured interest from Premier League rivals Everton, as the Toffees look to improve their attacking options.

Martin indicated he is unclear over Adams' intentions but the current picture hints at an exit for the 28-year-old.

"We offered Che a brilliant contract, in my opinion, a really good contract, but it's Che's prerogative to take his time and assess the situation", as per an interview with BBC Solent.

"As it stands, the ball is in Che's court. I'm in touch with him on a fairly regular basis.

"Do I expect him to sign any time soon? Probably not. But I also don't expect him to sign anywhere else, very soon either."

Martin insisted there remains some hope on retaining Adams, but other targets are being assessed, with his strike partner Adam Armstrong signing a contract extension until 2027.

Southampton head off on a preseason tour of Spain in the coming day with warm up games against Bordeaux and Montpellier on the schedule.

The Saints make their return to the Premier League with a clash away at Newcastle United on August 19.