Southampton forward Che Adams has been handed a rare start for the Saints for their Boxing Day clash with Chelsea, amid transfer links with Leeds United.
The 23-year-old joined the Premier League side in the summer from Birmingham City for a fee reportedly worth around £15m but has struggled to make an impact in the top-flight.
In 15 appearances across all competitions, Southampton's marquee signing has failed to find the back of the net and, prior to Boxing Day, had not started in the Premier League since a 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth in September.
Since then, seven appearances off the bench have totalled just 41 minutes of football and, as a result, a return to the Championship has been mentioned ahead of January.
Football Insider have reported that Leeds are preparing a swoop for the forward in case Arsenal decide to cut-short Eddie Nketiah's loan stint at Elland Road.
Nottingham Forest have also been attributed with an interest in the versatile attacker, who scored 34 goals in 116 EFL appearances during his time with Birmingham City.
His start against Chelsea has raised eyebrows, suggesting that he still has a place in Ralph Hassenhuttl's plans, but it could be that he is being put in the shop window ahead of the New Year.
Southampton also face fixture congestion during the festive period, with Premier League clashes against Crystal Palace and Tottenham in the next week before the FA Cup third round tie against Huddersfield Town.
