Exclusive: Kompany makes Burnley move for £12m striker as Leeds, Everton are barged aside

TEAMtalk staff 12 Jun 2023 11:35 AM

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany is planning for the future

Premier League new boys Burnley are eyeing a move for Southampton striker Che Adams to boost their attack next season, TEAMtalk understands.

Clartes boss Vincent Kompany has made a new striker one of his top priorities as he looks to prepare his side for life back in the top flight. Indeed, Burnley have lost Ashley Barnes this summer, with the long-serving star leaving at the end of his deal.

Barnes, a scorer of 54 goals in 293 games for the Clarets over 10 seasons, was very much the face of Burnley‘s old-school style. A move to Norwich has already been agreed for the 33-year-old Bath-born star.

Now Kompany is keen to bring in a new target man to help the void.

And sources have told us that Scotland international Adams is the man who fits the bill. With proven Premier League experience and an ability to hold the ball up, he is exactly the type of striker Burnley are after.

Adams scored 10 goals in 35 appearances for Southampton the season just finished as they suffered relegation from the Premier League.

Indeed, that was comfortably his best season yet for Saints, and brings his total to 31 strikes in 145 appearances for Saints.

Since relegation, Adams has been linked with moves to long-time suitors Leeds and Everton. Nottingham Forest are also reportedly keen as Steve Cooper looks to build on their 16th-placed finish.

Kompany keen to bring Che Adams to Burnley

However, we understand it is a move to Turf Moor that is now most likely.

Southampton are resigned to losing a number of their top players, including Adams in the wake of their relegation. The striker is entering the final year of his contract at St Mary’s and they are likely to decide to cash-in on him now rather than risk allowing him to leave on a free in 2024.

Reports have previously indicated a fee in the region of £12m will be enough to persuade Saints to sell Adams.

And the former Sheffield United and Birmingham ace would jump at the chance of returning to the Premier League if Burnley firm up their interest and strike a deal.

Che Adams