DSTV PREMIERSHIP: Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker keen to keep hold of in-form Jayden Adams amid links with Mamelodi Sundowns

The 22-year-old midfielder is enjoying an excellent season with Stellies and has contributed with three goals and three assists in 26 games in all competitions.

Different publications have reported that the player has already reached an agreement with the Brazilians to join the club at the start of next season.

But with Stellenbosch in second place in the DStv Premiership this season, having already won silverware, in the Carling Knockout Cup, and ahead of their Nedbank Cup semi-final, where they will face Sundowns, Barker says there is no reason for Adams to jump ship.

Barker said in the Citizen: “There will always be talk because it’s part of football whether in South Africa, England or Germany. When players are doing well, there is always talk of the so-called bigger clubs wanting to get them.

“But I just believe now that we’re a team that has been in semi-finals and we have won a cup. Hopefully we can finish strong in the league and go into Africa. If I’m a player, I’d look at that and stay in Stellenbosch because I think we’re doing something special.”

Barker added: “We’ll continue to do special things and compete at the highest level. Two or three years ago, maybe players were lured to bigger clubs because they thought they could compete at a higher level but we’re reaching that stage. 

“I also hope that players won’t want to leave the club but speculation will always be there and we will assess that at the end of the season make informed and correct decisions.”

The second-placed Stellenbosch are away to the fourth-placed Sekhukhune United in a league match at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday at 19:30.

The two sides are in the race to finish the season in the second spot in the Premiership for the first time in their history.