SAINTS CEO Martin Semmens has addressed rumours linking Everton with a loan-to-buy move for Che Adams, saying: “90 per cent of what you see in the media is not true.”

Heavy reports from The Athletic claimed that, despite a public stance the Scottish international is not for sale, Saints are privately willing to sanction a move.

They add an approach from the Merseyside club is thought to have been made for Adams in the last few days.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has been open about the club’s search for another new striker before the window shuts, irrespective of Adams’ future at St Mary’s.

With only Adam Armstrong and Sekou Mara as recognised forwards, it led to a worried supporter asking Semmens about the Adams rumours at the BBC Radio Solent Fans’ Forum.

Daily Echo: Che Adams (Pic: Stuart Martin)Che Adams (Pic: Stuart Martin)

“I understand the question but 90 per cent of what you see in the media is not true,” Semmens responded.

“The fact that Everton are trying to take our striker on loan or something is not real, it won’t happen, don’t worry about that.

“From our perspective we are massively comfortable with everyone we bring in, with everyone who is here and we look forward to working with them.

“We will always do what is right and if somebody leaves it will be for the right reasons,” he added.

“I wouldn’t get too worried about an agent, Sky Sports or Twitter, that’s why most of our signings you haven’t heard of – so that one isn’t true, don’t worry.”

Rumours had intensified after Adams was left as an unused substitute during the 4-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Hasenhuttl was asked why the 26-year-old was not introduced, while midfielders Stuart Armstrong and Joe Aribo ended the match as the two forwards.

“Adam Armstrong scored the most goals in pre-season, I think he deserved to play in the beginning,” the Austrian said.

“In the end, I think it should always be up to performances and things you show. Joe Aribo also showed he scored goals so when I had the choices I went with these two guys.”

He continued: “There is nothing older in football than goals you scored last season so you have to show it every week. If you show up, and the guys in my team know this, you get a chance to play.

“Che scored his last in February but this doesn’t mean he cannot score more goals. I love this player, I love the mentality of this player. I think he can score more goals in the Premier League this season than last season.”

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