Everton are close to signing Southampton forward Che Adams for £15 million.

The Scotland international is expected to return to the Premier League quickly as Everton and Southampton are nearing an agreement on a transfer fee.

Adams has drawn interest from Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest after Southampton’s relegation to the Championship, but Everton are growing increasingly confident of completing a transfer.

The news follows the Toffees’ devastating 4-0 defeat against Aston Villa, which has left them at the foot of the Premier League standings after two games.

After colliding with Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during the first half, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has had various fitness issues over the past two seasons, also appeared to suffer a facial injury.

Adams’ Southampton contract is about to expire, possibly forcing Southampton to sell. Although Southampton are prepared to discuss a new contract if Adams does not leave before the transfer deadline, Russell Martin has already stated his willingness to continue working with the center-forward.

The Saints defeated Plymouth 2-1 on Saturday thanks to the Scotland international’s 94th-minute goal.

The 27-year-old has had a stellar debut to the season and has now scored in each of Southampton’s three Championship games.

Everton signed another striker this summer, Youssef Chermiti, from Sporting CP. However, Dyche has already stated that he isn’t expecting Chermiti to play a significant role this year because he is a player for the future.

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