Leeds United

Leeds United

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Leeds Utd transfer latest: First Adama Traore approach made as report details bargain fee to convince Wolves to sell

Adama Traore, Wolves, during the Premier League game against Watford

Leeds United have reportedly made contact with Wolves amid claims they are ready to step up their interest in signing Adama Traore.

The Whites are looking to strengthen their squad this summer after sailing close to the relegation wind last time out. Indeed, Jesse Marsch’s side already have three signings in the bag. Brenden Aaronson was confirmed days after survival was assured. He was soon followed by Rasmus Kristensen, while a third in Marc Roca, has also gone through.

Leeds, though, are now stopping there and we exclusively revealed last week how they were planning an approach for Traore.

The Wolves man now has a year left on his deal at Molineux and will seemingly be sold for a cut-price fee. Once rated in the £60m bracket, the player was allowed to sign for Barcelona on loan in January.

The Blaugrana secured an option to buy Traore as part of that agreement. And despite two assists in just four LaLiga starts. Barcelona decided against making that move permanent.

Now, with the player seemingly no longer in Bruno Lage’s plans, and talks over a new deal collapsing, talk of a move to Leeds is gathering pace.

Orta could sign winger for a second time

The Whites are in danger of seeing star man Raphinha plucked away this summer. Barcelona remain the winger’s first choice, though strong interest from Arsenal and Tottenham remains.

As such, the club reportedly sees Traore as a way to plug that gap were Raphinha to depart.

Director of football Victor Orta remains a massive fan of his countryman, having brought him to Middlesbrough in 2016.

Now it seems a move to Leeds is on. As per Football Insider, Leeds have made an approach to sign him.

They state Wolves will allow Traore to depart for as little as £18m, although Leeds’ opening bid come come in for less than that.

Adama Traore cannot be Raphinha replacement for Leeds

If Leeds United are looking to sign Traore as a replacement for Raphinha, then they may be making a monumental mistake.

Traore enjoyed an excellent 2019/20 season, scoring six times and adding 12 assists. However, it’s been downhill ever since and he’s badly struggled to recapture that form.

However, if Leeds see Traore as a squad addition and potential option off the bench, then an £18m deal might suit them. And with the right coaching and man-management, Traore may yet improve in new surroundings.

In losing Raphinha, however, Leeds will need much more quality off the flanks. They currently have Daniel James, Jack Harrison and Crysencio Summerville as alternatives.

However, James is yet to convince since his £25m move from Manchester United. While there are mitigating circumstances, given he was largely played out of position, he has never been the most prolific.

Summerville is a player of promise, that said, though is yet to enjoy a long-run of first-team games.

Indeed, were Leeds to lose Raphinha, they would surely need much better quality than Traore as a replacement.

That signing would very much be one made by Orta and much of his own reputation will hinge on Traore’s success were he to sign.

Leeds, meanwhile, have reportedly been told that Nathan Collins won’t come cheap amid links to the Burnley man.