Nathan Jones dismisses reports that Che Adams could leave Southampton for relegation rivals Everton

Southampton boss Nathan Jones has dismissed reports that striker Che Adams could be sold to relegation rivals Everton.

Adams, the Saints’ top scorer with eight goals this term, has been linked with a move to Everton, who have just hired Sean Dyche as manager, ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Everton and Southampton are bottom of the Premier League table together on just 15 points and while both clubs are keen to strengthen their squads, Jones insists there is no chance his team will help the Toffees.

Southampton’s top scorer Che Adams has been linked with relegation rivals Everton.

“Let’s be honest, that’s not going to happen,” Jones told a news conference ahead of his team’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle.

Southampton have their own goals in mind as they look to get out of the bottom three.

Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana is reported to be interested, but Jones gave no details.

Adams has scored eight Premier League goals so far this season for the struggling Saints

He said: ‘We can’t say anything about any names, that would be wrong. There is nothing final in any of our agreements, but we are working tirelessly, constantly, at all levels to try and improve the team.

‘We want to get one, and we have worked very hard to get one, but we can be sure that it will strengthen us here.

“I don’t want a reflex of ‘just putting someone in’ and then jeopardizing the future of the club.”

Jones is confident that the Saints’ potential activity on deadline day won’t be a distraction from the small business of trying to lead his team to the finals of a major competition.

Nathan Jones has also confirmed that his team will be looking to bring in one more player.

Southampton have a tough task on their hands as they head to St James’ Park to face the high-flying Magpies who lose 1-0 on aggregate after a first-leg defeat at St Mary’s last week.

Jones said: ‘My role in terms of identifying and affirming signatures is done. It’s about whether we can make deals for the players we want.

“I will fully concentrate on trying to get Southampton to Wembley.”

Newcastle are heavy favourites, but Jones says his team, who beat Manchester City in the previous round, will not travel with little confidence.

He said: ‘With the greatest respect, (1-0) is an advantage, but it can be a tricky advantage.

‘We have to do things right and make sure we start positive and do our best. We will be aggressive, we want to go after the tie and we would really like to get the first goal.

‘If we can get the first goal, many things can change, and many things will change.

‘The tie is open, the tie is still alive. We have to be the best version of ourselves. If that happens at 11 o’clock, it could be a wonderful night.

Jones has a fully fit squad available. The likes of Adams, James Ward-Prowse, Kyle Walker-Peters and Gavin Bazunu are likely to return, all either fully rested or on the bench for Saturday’s FA Cup win over Blackpool. Duje Caleta-Car is available after the suspension.

Meanwhile, Everton have just announced the appointment of Sean Dyche as their new manager.