RALPH Hasenhuttl has reiterated it was “never a question” that Saints would not sell Che Adams and insisted facing potential suitors Everton is just a normal game.

Adams was subject to reports linking Everton as one club interested in bringing the Scottish international in this summer, while he also was left unused for the opening league match.

The 26-year-old impressed versus Leeds United and then came off the bench to net a brace during a 2-1 win at Leicester City, scoring two more days later in the EFL Cup at Cambridge United.

Hasenhuttl then came out firing saying they would not be selling Adams in this window and the striker remains at St Mary’s, although he hasn’t scored since.

Adams is now set to face those potential suitors when Frank Lampard’s Toffees visit St Mary’s tomorrow, but Hasenhuttl insists that will be no more motivation than usual.

“We don’t have to discuss that he is a very important player for us up front, it was never a question that we wanted to give him away,” Hasenhuttl said.

“The interest from other clubs shows he has done a good job so far here and we are happy to have him here. This was never a question.”

The Austrian added: “I think it should always be enough motivation when there is a Premier League game at the weekend, as a player there is no more motivation needed.”

Saints versus Everton kicks off at St Mary’s on Saturday, October 1, at 3PM, with Adams likely to lead the line for Hasenhuttl.

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