Che Adams was a man in demand in January, with Nottingham Forest one of a number of clubs keen on the striker.
But it was Leeds United who came closest to securing the Southampton forward’s signature, according to their director of football.
The Reds had been looking to strengthen their forward ranks in the transfer window, and held an interest in several strikers.
Adams was one.
Although he had plenty of suitors, the 23-year-old ended up staying with the Saints.
However, Leeds chief Victor Orta says a deal was almost done to take him to Elland Road.
Speaking to The Scouted Hub, he said: “I have a player that the second week of December is really available for us, near to closing (the deal), and the second week of January he’s not available because he gave a nice assist against Leicester.”
The former Birmingham City forward has continued to struggle for regular game time at Southampton, however.
He has made 27 appearances in total this season, failing to find the back of the net - and featured just four times in the Premier League since the end of January, before matches were suspended.
Along with Adams, the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Glenn Murray were on Forest’s radar in January.
They added to their attacking options by recalling Tyler Walker from his loan at Lincoln City and signing Nuno Da Costa from Strasbourg.
