Nathan Jones: Che Adams won’t be leaving Southampton to join Everton
Adams, the Saints’ top scorer with eight goals this season, has been linked with a move to Goodison Park ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Everton and Southampton are joint bottom of the Premier League table on just 15 points and while both clubs are keen to strengthen their squads, Jones insists his side don’t give the Toffees a chance.
“Let’s face it, that’s not going to happen,” Jones bluntly told a news conference to preview his side’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle.
Southampton have their own targets in mind when it comes to pulling themselves out of the bottom three.
Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana is said to be of interest but Jones declined to give details.
He said: “We can’t say anything about any names, that would be wrong. There is nothing specific to any of our deals, but we work tirelessly and constantly at all levels to try to improve the roster.
“We want to bring one in and we’ve worked so hard to bring one in but one that we’re sure can strengthen us here.
“I don’t want to reflexively ‘bring someone in’ and then jeopardize the future of the club.”
Jones is confident Saints’ potential deadline-day activities won’t detract from the small matter of leading his team to the finals of a major competition.
Southampton have a tough task ahead of them as they head to St James’ Park to take on the high-flying Magpies, who were 1-0 on aggregate after last week’s first-leg defeat at St Mary’s.
Jones said: “My role in terms of identifying and confirming signings is done. It’s about whether we can do business for the players we want.
“I will be fully focused on bringing Southampton to Wembley.”
Newcastle are strong favorites but Jones claims his side, who beat Manchester City in the preliminary round, will not be lacking in confidence.
He said: “With all due respect, it (1-0) is an advantage but it can be a tricky one.
“We have to do things right and make sure we start positively and do our best. We’re going to be aggressive, we want to play after the draw and we’d really like to score the first goal.”
“If we can score the first goal, a lot of things can change and a lot of things will change.
“The tie is untied, the tie is still alive. We have to be the best version of ourselves. If that happens by 11 a.m., it could be a wonderful night.”
Jones has a full squad at his disposal. The likes of Adams, James Ward-Prowse, Kyle Walker-Peters and Gavin Bazunu – all fully rested or on the bench for Saturday’s FA Cup win over Blackpool – are likely to return. Duje Caleta-Car is available after suspension.
