Everton are no longer the most likely destination of Southampton forward Che Adams, as newly promoted Burnley could now secure his signature.
The centre-forward was relegated last season with the Saints and has been linked with a move to Goodison Park this summer.
However, according to TEAMtalk, Vincent Kompany’s Burnley see Adams as a priority signing as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.
The Scottish international scored 10 goals in 35 games for Southampton last season, with a total of 31 strikes in 145 games during four years at St Mary’s following a £15m move from Birmingham City in 2019.
The forward has just one year remaining on his current contract with the south coast club, and Everton were said to have been interested in his signature.
Everton missing out on relegated Adams may not be such a bad thing
Indeed, the Blues need to invest heavily in attack this summer, though it looks like Che Adams may be one player that the Blues will miss out on.
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Alongside Everton, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest were also seen as potential destinations for the in-demand Scot, though a switch to Turf Moor now seems most likely.
A 10-goal return in a relegated side is a respectable goal tally, however Everton may not have a great deal to spend this summer, and £12m would be a hefty price for a player with one year remaining on his contract.
Indeed, missing out on Adams may not be the worst thing for Everton, as the Blues could do well exploring alternative options, such as 26-year-old Moussa Dembele, now a free agent who has also been linked with a move to Merseyside.
Everton need to boost their attacking options, but splashing out on a forward who failed to keep his side in the Premier League last season might be best avoided.