EVERTON are reportedly ‘closing in’ on a deal for Saints striker Che Adams, with a fee of around £15million cited.

The Scottish international has netted three goals in three appearances in the Championship this season despite starting the first two matches as a substitute.

Adams has just one year left on his contract at St Mary’s and manager Russell Martin suggests negotiations on a new one are only likely to restart after the transfer window.

The 27 year old scored just 25 goals in 124 Premier League appearances before the club’s relegation but Everton are desperate for improved firepower.

Sean Dyche’s Toffees have not scored in either of their opening two league defeats, including a 4-0 loss at Aston Villa on Friday.

The Telegraph first reported a £15million bid, improved from the £12million that Saints rejected over the weekend, which could be enough to strike an agreement.

The Daily Echo understands negotiations were still ongoing Sunday afternoon but other publications suggest a deal is close.

Dyche, speaking after his side's defeat on Sunday, said: "We are in for a number of situations, whether they can come into fruition, I am waiting on news.

“We are working hard to construct deals that can affect us in a positive way. These deals, at the minute, I am waiting for news on. 

"Any deals, that is not about Che Adams, that is any deals. We are in for a number of situations, whether they can come to fruition, I am waiting on news.”

Martin has already reassured supporters that Saints will replace Adams, who also came under transfer interest from AFC Bournemouth earlier in the window.

However, there are under two weeks left of trading before the window slams shut on September 1 (11PM).

Adams scored the late winner at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, in front of the Sky Sports cameras – just as he did at Sheffield Wednesday two weeks prior.