Adama Traore could be set for an extended spell out of head coach Bruno Lage's preferred starting line-up if Wolverhampton Wanderers enjoy a rich vein of form, according to Express & Star reporter Luke Hatfield.

Why did Traore not start for Wolves last time out?

Spain international Traore found himself on the substitutes bench for Wolves' trip to Southampton last weekend, with Raul Jimenez firing Lage's side to all three points at St Mary's.

Traore's omission from the line-up came after the 25-year-old had started every other Premier League match this season.

It appears Lage made the decision after growing frustrated at Traore's lack of end product, having failed to register a goal since the win over Brighton & Hove Albion in May.

His most recent assist came a month before that, in the narrow victory over Sheffield United.

The clash with Southampton was the first time Traore had not been included in Wolves' starting line-up since the final day of last season.

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What has Luke Hatfield said about Traore's omission?

Hatfield believes Traore will pay the price for failing to find the back of the net if Wolves go on an impressive winning run.

However, the journalist feels Traore could be the perfect impact substitute for Lage.

Hatfield told GIVEMESPORT: "Ultimately, if you don't lay on assists or score goals, you can't expect your place to be kept there religiously for you.

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"If Wolves carry on winning and Adama Traore is not starting, then you do wonder when he's going to make his way back into that starting XI.

"Of course, he offers a real threat off the bench. If you're 60 or 70 minutes in and you're a full-back, the last thing you want to see is Adama Traore stripped off and ready to get onto the pitch, so maybe they'll see him more as an impact sub until he recaptures that form."

What's the latest news on Traore's contract situation?

Traore's current £43,000-per-week contract has less than two years to run, but it appears he is close to agreeing fresh terms.

Reports suggest the winger is on the verge of penning a new deal worth close to £100,000-per-week, which would make him one of the top earners at Wolves.

The Molineux-based outfit have been particularly keen to see Traore commit his long-term future to the club after attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur during the summer transfer window.

According to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein, Wolves rejected £30million offer from Spurs with the deadline looming and were only willing to sell Traore for £50million.