Leeds United could launch a move for Che Adams this month...

What's the word?

That's according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who claims that the Yorkshire giants could go back in for the Southampton striker before the January window closes at 11pm on the 31st.

"Southampton have got their own situation to consider at the moment, if they do go and sign another striker, you never know.

"They might just put an enquiry in just to see what can be done," he told GIVEMESPORT.

The Whites have previously had interest in the 26-year-old forward, coming close to signing him on loan back in January 2020 and more recently, the ever-reliable Phil Hay of The Athletic had touted Adams as a potential target because 'he's been discussed at Elland Road before.'

He's worse than Bamford

However, the Scotland international - who cost the Saints around £15m from Birmingham City in the summer of 2019 - wouldn't be the best signing that director of football Victor Orta could make, despite his long-standing interest in the player and Leeds' obvious need upfront.

Patrick Bamford's persistent injury problems have left a gaping hole in attack for manager Jesse Marsch.

While Rodrigo has somewhat stepped up to fill that void with nine goals in 15 league appearances, it isn't enough and he cannot be solely relied on. Meanwhile, his other options are all youth candidates, ranging from Joe Gelhardt - who played 23 times last term - to summer signing Wilfried Gnonto.

But there is little to suggest that Adams is the answer as he's never truly been a prolific option in the Premier League. The 22-cap ace has only scored 29 goals across 128 appearances for Southampton, which is an average of one every 270 minutes, via Transfermarkt.

In the season before his move, the Scot bagged 22 goals in 46 matches for the Blues in the Championship and he's never really looked like replicating that on the bigger stage. Not once has he notched more than a nine-tally in the league.

That's far worse than Bamford, who despite niggling problems, has proven his ability at the top - most notably bagging 17 goals in the Whites' first season after promotion. The England international has also averaged a much better ratio of one goal every 213 minutes for Leeds in the Premier League.

However, he has struggled for game time this term, managing only 427 minutes in the top-flight and that's why Orta must source another forward before the end of the month but on the above evidence, he'd be making a big mistake in continuing to pursue the less prolific Adams.

There could be a case to make that snatching the Scot from Southampton would aid Leeds in any relegation dogfight later this season as it would certainly make them weaker but that doesn't mean that the Yorkshiremen are getting any stronger.

As such, Orta must avoid making another move for the 23-year-old - who was once dubbed "phenomenon" by his ex-manager Ralph Hasenhuttl - as he's a way worse option than a semi-fit Bamford and it would be a waste of money

AND in other news, Orta could "accelerate" Leeds move for £31m "phenomenon", imagine him and Rodrigo...