Everton are in the market for a new striker with Che Adams having been on the list along with Beto.

Russell Martin has revealed it was his decision to leave Everton target Che Adams out of the Southampton squad today – but insists the forward hasn’t “downed tools”.

The Blues have been locked in talks with the Saints over the prospect of signing the Scotland international. While no breakthrough has been made, Adams had so far continued in the squad for the St Mary’s club.

He has three goals in as many games for Southampton but when team news was released for their home encounter with QPR this afternoon, the surprise came in the form of Adams’ omission.

Reports suggest that Everton are close to signing Udinese striker, Beto, after discussions have progressed. But it remains to be seen what happens with that deal – and interest in Adams.

The Southampton forward has been offered a three-year extension in order to help fire his current side back to the English top-flight.

Speaking after their hard-earned 2-1 win over Gareth Ainsworth’s side earlier on, Martin detailed why Adams was left out of the matchday squad after talks with the player.

“I spoke to Che on the phone on Thursday after we offered him a new contract, and then spoke to him again on Friday in the office,” said Martin via the Daily Echo. “We came to an agreement that he wasn’t in the right place to give everything he’s got but both of them [Adams and Nathan Tella] played last week and were brilliant despite all the noise.

“It’s been a long week for both of them and the dynamic has changed slightly but I’ve got no problem with either of them.”

“I didn’t want him to play while all that is going on so nothing has changed from last week really. We’ve also offered him a new contract and he’s getting pulled from pillar to post,” he added on Adams.

“He’s getting so much different advice and it’s really not easy. He’s been a bit heavier this week, energy not quite the same – and that’s not intentional, not one bit.

“He just hadn’t been the same energetic and vibrant guy we know so it’s definitely weighing on him and I didn’t want him to put himself through or it nor did I think he was right to help us.

“It was my choice. He didn’t down tools or refuse to play or anything like that, he’ll be pleased we won and it will come to a close this week one way or another. If he goes, we will replace him – if he doesn’t, I’ll be really happy.”