Nathan Jones has shut down suggestions Southampton could sell Che Adams to Everton and refused to be drawn on his pursuit of Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Scotland international Adams, who is the Saints' top scorer with eight goals this term, has been linked with a move to Goodison Park before Tuesday's transfer deadline. Everton were also tipped to sign the forward during the summer.
The Blues and Southampton are joint-bottom of the Premier League table with just 15 points and, while both clubs are keen to strengthen their squads, Jones insists there is no chance of Adams moving to Merseyside.
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“Let's be honest, that's not going to happen,” Jones fired back when asked about the rumour as he previewed his side’s upcoming Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United.
Jones also refused to be drawn on how close he is to signing Sulemana from Stade Rennais. The Saints, it is claimed, had two bids rejected for the Ghana international last week.
While the ECHO reported earlier this month that Sulemana is one of a number of players Everton like and that they were interested in taking the Ghanaian international on loan for the rest of the season. But a report on Monday claimed that the Blues had made a verbal offer on Sunday for Sulemana.
“We can't say anything on any names, that'd be wrong,” Jones replied when asked about if he had an update on his pursuit of Sulemana. “There is nothing definitive on any of our deals but we are working tirelessly, constantly, at all levels to try to improve the squad.
“We want to get one in, and we've worked so hard to get one in, but one that we can be certain can strengthen us here. I don't want a knee-jerk, ‘just get anyone in', and then put the future of the club in jeopardy.”
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