Southampton boss Russell Martin has spoken after Everton ended their interest in signing forward Che Adams.
Everton had an offer accepted for the 27-year-old striker, but the Toffees pulled out of a deal to sign Adams, after the club agreed to sign Beto from Italian side Udinese for £25.7 million instead.
Sean Dyche’s side offered £15 million for Saint’s forward, as he looked to add firepower to his side but no deal was ever agreed for the Scottish international.
However, after the arrival of Beto, the Toffee’s are focusing on signing a wide player, with pace adding a new option to their forward line.
What has Russell Martin said about Everton’s interest in Che Adams?
Speaking in his press conference ahead of deadline day, the Saints boss admitted that Everton had pulled out of the race to sign Adams.
“He’s trained really well. There are three scenarios really: we keep Che, we lose Che and we replace him, or we keep Che and we add someone else too.
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“The club who came [Everton] have gone away now.
“We can’t lose Che Adams and not replace him – it’d be madness.”
The signing of Beto was Everton’s second centre-forward of the summer transfer window, after the arrival of Youssef Chermiti from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.
Both of the Portuguese strikers will be looking to make their full debut as Dyche’s team travel to face Doncaster Rovers in the second round of the Carabao Cup tonight.