Wolves and Bournemouth dealt striker blow as Southampton ‘pull plug’ on £15m transfer

Wolverhampton Wanderers and AFC Bournemouth will have to look elsewhere for striker targets as Southampton have blocked the departure of Che Adams, according to a reputable report.

Both Wolves and the Cherries were fighting for the Saints striker’s signature but the plug has been pulled on any exit on Deadline Day as Southampton want to keep Adams and sell other forwards instead.

The Athletic reports Paul Onuachu and Dom Ballard are set to be offloaded before the 11pm deadline, meaning Adams must stay put at St Mary’s Stadium at least until the winter window opens on January 1.

Wolves were closing in on a season-long loan deal with a £15 million option – or potentially an obligation – to buy but the funds will have to be spent elsewhere if Gary O’Neil wants another striker.