Wolverhampton Wanderers 'leading race to sign Southampton forward Che Adams'

Since the arrival of Gary O'Neil as head coach in August, Wolves have been much improved in the final third compared to their efforts under Bruno Lage and Julen Lopetegui.

A total of 42 goals have been scored in their 28 Premier League fixtures during 2023-24, albeit that being just the joint-11th best in the division.

However, Wolves have been reliant on the exploits of Matheus Cunha, Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-chan, the trio contributing exactly half of Wolves' total in the top flight.

Despite their respective efforts, all three players are currently on the sidelines with muscle injuries, highlighting the extent at which they have been used by O'Neil in Premier League fixtures.

That left Wolves exposed in their recent FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Coventry City when, despite scoring twice during the latter stages, they were less effective in other areas of the pitch due to a change in strategy.

As it stands, Nathan Fraser and Leon Chiwome are competing for a starting role against Aston Villa on Saturday evening, yet having to choose between two teenagers has strengthened the need for more experienced competition to be acquired in the summer.

According to The Telegraph, Wolves are prepared to firm up their interest in Adams once the season has reached a conclusion.

The West Midlands outfit have been consistently linked with the Scotland international in the past, only for differences in valuations to end any hope of a deal being finalised.

With Adams having just over three months remaining on his contract, the situation is highly likely to change in the summer, regardless of whether Southampton earn promotion from the Championship.

Despite being linked with a move away from St Mary's during the last two transfer windows, the 27-year-old has proven to be a valuable option to the Saints.

From 17 starts and 13 substitute outings, Adams has contributed 10 goals and three assists, the attacker doing enough to retain admirers in the Premier League.

While there is a scenario where Adams could pen a renewal with Southampton, that does not appear to be a priority for either the club or player.

From Wolves' perspective, signing a proven striker on a free transfer would represent a shrewd piece of business when they need to ensure that they add strength-in-depth while also passing the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations for next season.

Adams has chipped in with 25 goals and 14 assists from 124 career appearances in the Premier League, 88 of those coming from the starting lineup.