Liverpool left behind as Man City look to pounce on Wolves star’s warning

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Manchester City and Juventus have moved ahead of the rest in the race to sign Wolves winger Adama Traore, according to a report.

Traore has proven his doubters wrong in the past two seasons to become one of his side’s most important players.

With such a rise has come transfer speculation, however, and Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo recently admitted uncertainty about the Spaniard’s future.

Indeed, reports in the past few months have linked Liverpool and Manchester United with a move.

One journalist claimed in June that Jurgen Klopp’s side had a deal on the table for the 24-year-old. According to ESPN, however, it is Manchester City who lead the race for Traore, along with Juventus.

City are in the hunt for a replacement for Leroy Sane, who has completed a long-touted move to Bayern Munich.

The average age of Juventus’ wide players, meanwhile, is 32, and Maurizio Sarri is eyeing a refreshing younger talent.

ESPN also claims Barcelona hold an interest but any move from the LaLiga giants will come next summer. Barca’s pressing task is to lower their wage bill – the highest in Europe – and raise much-needed funds.

TRAORE’S WOLVES ULTIMATUM

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In any case, Traore has reportedly told Wolves that he will leave this summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Wolves’ hopes of reaching the top four took a hit with Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal. That result left the club five points off Chelsea and only three ahead of the Gunners, who have won three in a row in the top flight.

However, should City remain banned from Europe for the next two seasons, a fifth-placed finish would suffice.

And Wolves were halfway through their Europa League last-16 tie before the pandemic struck. The competition resumes in August and, should Wolves win it, they will qualify for the Champions League.