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According to the Daily Echo, Southampton are prepared to walk away from a deal for Birmingham striker Che Adams this summer if the Championship side attempt to demand even more money for the forward.

What's the word, then?

Well, the Saints had a £10m bid rejected for the Englishman's services back in January, and they have revisited the deal this summer with the player himself said to be keen on a move to St Mary's.

Adams scored 22 goals and recorded five assists last term in what was a breakthrough year for him at St Andrew's, and Burnley are also said to be interested in him after a prolific campaign.

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Southampton, however, have unnamed alternatives to the 22-year-old if manager-less Birmingham decide they want to play hardball over this particular transfer - Adams is said to be the Saints' top target, but they are prepared to walk away if Birmingham try to press for more money.

They shouldn't give up on Adams

After the phenomenal season he enjoyed last term, the former Sheffield United striker looks to have everything in his locker needed to be the next big thing to come out of the Championship.

We've seen a number of striker talents shine in the Premier League after plying their trade predominantly in England's second tier, such as Jamie Vardy, Callum Wilson, Glenn Murray and Southampton's very own Danny Ings and Charlie Austin.

In that respect, it could be argued that the transition to the top-flight from the Championship isn't as insurmountable as we often think, and seeing as Adams is just 22, he would represent a solid long-term investment whilst he seems to have all of the qualities needed to thrive in the Premier League.

He has pace, power, a clinical eye for goal, the awareness to set up others as well - he averaged 1.5 key passes per match last season - and seems well-suited to Hasenhuttl's game-plan which requires quick attackers to press high up the pitch.

The Echo claims Southampton are more interested in getting deals over the line early this summer than haggling for the right price, so considering £14m isn't even a club-record fee for Southampton, they should be prepared to go the extra mile on this ideal strike target and put a bigger offer on the table.

After all, there's a reason he's their priority signing.