Leeds United are ‘going to try’ and sign Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore ‘at a really good price’, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The 26-year-old is expected to seek pastures new this summer with his contract due to expire in 12 months’ time and after failing to agree terms on a new deal, it seems an exit is inevitable.
What is the latest news involving Traore?
Traore re-joined boyhood club Barcelona on a six-month loan deal that included the option to buy for £29 million back in January.
However, despite providing four assists in his first five appearances, Barca president Joan Laporta admitted in March that financial reasons could prevent the Spain international from signing on a permanent basis.
And a recent report from Football Insider claims that Leeds are one of the sides hoping to profit from Traore’s ongoing situation.
It’s claimed that the Whites are ‘keeping close tabs’ on the pacey attacker as director of football Victor Orta is a ‘big admirer’ after previously luring him to Middlesbrough from Aston Villa in 2016.
An offer of around £18m is likely to be enough to tempt Wolves into selling Traore with fellow Premier League side Everton also listed amongst his potential suitors.
What has Jones said about Traore?
Jones has disclosed to GiveMeSport that there is still ‘ definitely some negotiating to be done’ before a deal can be agreed between the two clubs.
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In an interview with GMS, he said: “There's definitely some negotiating to be done.
“Wolves are going to try and push the price up as high as they can, and they're not going to get what they want. So, Leeds are basically going to try and get Traore at a really good price.”
Would Traore be a good signing?
Consistency has always been Traore’s biggest weakness throughout his career, but Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp perfectly summed up his attacking threat.
“The speed of Traore is actually undefendable in moments,” said the German tactician in March 2021, highlighting the danger he constantly carries when on the pitch.
Nevertheless, a return of 29 goal contributions from 154 appearances for Wolves is rather underwhelming.
Traore has ranked in the 99th percentile for completed dribbles, the 97th for progressive carries and the 85th touches in the attacking area amongst fellow wingers over the last year, though, showcasing where his main attributes lie (via FBref).
It remains to be seen whether Leeds firm up their apparent interest with a concrete offer for a player who is likely to divide opinion amongst the fan base.