Everton ‘in final stages’ of £15m transfer as they seek to complete striker agreement ahead of Wolves clash

Everton are closing in on a £15m move for Southampton’s Che Adams ahead of Saturday’s clash with Wolves after increasing their offer for the striker, according to a number of reports.

The two sides meet at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon having lost both of their opening two games following heavy defeats over the weekend. Wolves were beaten 4-1 at home by Brighton and Hove Albion while Aston Villa handed Sean Dyche’s side a 4-0 hammering in Birmingham on Sunday.

Everton look set to bolster their forward options ahead of the visit of Wolves. The Toffees had a bid of £12m rejected by the Saints on Friday as Adams featured for Russell Martin’s side on Saturday as he netted a 94th-minute winner against Plymouth Argyle in Devon.

The Telegraph reports Everton are in the ‘final stages’ of agreeing a fee and payment structure with Southampton as they seek to bolster their options up front.

Adams has 87 career goals to his name following spells at Sheffield United, Birmingham City and Southampton. The 27-year-old has made 328 career appearances at club level and has also been capped 23 times by Scotland with six international goals under his belt.

Everton could be without Dominic Calvert-Lewin against Wolves after he was forced off with a swollen face against Villa, making a potential move for Adams all the more important. The striker collided with Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and tried to carry on but was unable to continue as his injury woes returned.

Dyche said: “Dom got a knock on the cheekbone and had blurred vision, we have to get it checked properly. We are hoping it’s just a knock. He has gone in to score a goal and slipped. Hopefully if it’s not as bad we think, it should settle down quickly.”

The player himself provided an update via his Instagram, telling fans: “Didn’t expect to end up here today. I’m sorry it wasn’t the return everyone was hoping for and no-one is more frustrated than me. It’s a sore one but I’ll be back shortly.”

Dyche’s side have been pursuing a move for Willy Gnonto all summer but Leeds United remain adamant the player is not for sale, despite the Italian international making himself unavailable for the Whites’ last three games in all competitions.

It remains to be seen if Everton’s move for Adams will have an impact on their pursuit of Gnonto. The Toffees have reportedly seen a number of bids rejected by the Elland Road outfit with their latest offer coming in at £25m, according to David Ornstein of the Athletic.

Dyche was asked about Everton’s potential business following a 4-0 loss to Aston Villa on Sunday and said: “We’re in for a number of situations; whether they come to fruition, I’m waiting on news.”