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Southampton failed in their reported attempts to bring Birmingham City forward Che Adams to St Mary's during the January transfer window, and following his latest performance they may well have missed the boat on an attacking signing for the second year running.

What's the word, then?

Well, The Mirror reported last month that Saints had bid and were keen to bring the exciting 22-year-old to the south coast as they looked to strengthen their options in the final third, but the deadline came and passed without any deal happening.

The situation certainly mirrored that of a similar one 12 months earlier when they had attempted to sign Quincy Promes from Spartak Moscow, with a move once again not proving to be a doable.

Adams' impressive season went from great to even better as he netted a hat-trick in his team's 4-1 win against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Saturday, taking his tally to 19 goals in 31 Championship appearances this term.

Why have Southampton missed the boat?

Adams will have already caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs during the current campaign, and that number is only likely to have increased if they see him scoring three goals in one half.

Meanwhile, Southampton's defeat to Cardiff City at home on Saturday – coupled with other results going against them – meant that they ended the weekend in the relegation zone, and they might not even be in the top flight if they try again for the 22-year-old at the end of the season.

Just over a year ago, The Daily Mail reported that Saints would try again to sign Promes last summer, but instead the Dutchman moved to Sevilla.

A similar fate could await the south coast outfit when it comes to Adams this time around as well.

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week...