Sky Sports reported on Thursday [17 August] that Everton have made a £12million bid to sign the Scotland international.
Martin was asked about that approach when speaking at a news conference ahead of Southampton’s Championship trip to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday [18 August].
“I don’t know anything about a bid. I’ll have to wait to hear about that,” Martin said. “It will all depend on how close the bid is to the valuation of us as a club. I’d love to keep him. He’s showed the impact he can have in his two games.
“He’s a fantastic character, a really good player. His energy has been great. I’d be really gutted to lose him. If he ends up going, it’ll be for a sum of money that is appropriate and means we can go and replace him.”
Asked about Adams’ contract, which has under a year to run, Martin added: “There’ve been discussions with Che about what the future holds.
“I think everyone’s decided to keep their options open. If he’s still here in two weeks it’ll be a discussion to have.”
Southampton’s stance clear
Adams is a massive asset to Southampton and would undoubtedly be a huge loss should he move on in the final fortnight of the transfer window.
The 27-year-old has scored in the Saints’ opening two Championship matches of the season – a 2-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday and 4-4 draw against Norwich City.
While those goals have helped Southampton to four points from the first six on offer, it means he is also continuing to catch attention of other clubs.
Adams was hardly prolific in the Premier League last season with just five goals to his name, but he netted seven the season before and nine in 2020-21, which were decent enough returns.
There is ultimately more to the former Birmingham ace’s game than scoring goals, and that is something Sean Dyche clearly likes the look of as he attempts to strengthen his forward line.
Martin made it clear with his comments that Adams is available – albeit reluctantly from the Saints’ perspective – so it is now down to Everton to make a suitable offer, and the reputed £12m bid seems a good starting point.
As they have showed with James Ward-Prowse, Romeo Lavia and Tino Livramento, however, Southampton are happy to hold out until their valuation is met in full.
This is therefore a deal that could go right down to the 11pm deadline on 1 September.
