ONE-TIME Burnley target Che Adams has left Birmingham City and signed for Southampton.

The 22-year-old, who registered 22 Sky Bet Championship goals for Blues last season, has moved for an undisclosed fee and agreed a five-year contract at St Mary's.

The Clarets made a move for Adams in January and were linked with him this summer but it is the Saints who have got their man.

That means he could line up against Sean Dyche's side on the opening day of the Premier League season at Turf Moor on August 10.

Southampton said they had “seen off competition from a number of Premier League suitors” to land the former Sheffield United man. 

“I’m delighted. There was interest in January, when it didn’t quite happen, but I’m happy now that it’s all gone through,” Adams said.

“You can see with the track history – the amount of young players they’re playing, the gaffer’s belief in the young players, the squad in itself – where the club is going to be.

“I want to be part of that.”

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said: "Che fits the profile of player we want to bring to Southampton and is very driven to show what he can do at the highest level.

"We have been monitoring his progress for some time now. He has shown a desire to join us above all other clubs, which shows the positive reputation Southampton has built for developing young players."

Adams becomes Saints' second summer signing following the arrival of Mali winger Moussa Djenepo.