Sources claim Bielsa wants €40m winger and goal-hungry Serie A striker

M’Bala Nzola Spezia

Leeds United are being linked once again with an unlikely move for Wolves winger Adama Traore, according to a report in the Spanish media.

Traore has become one of the Premier League’s most exciting players during his time at Molineux.

He signed for £18m in 2018 from Middlesbrough. Traore has since gone on to earn rave reviews thanks to his blistering pace and eye for goal. Links to the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona have followed.

However, Traore has lost his way a little this season and has found himself in and out of the Wolves side.

Furthermore, with his contract due to expire in 2023, talks over an extension have proved fruitless thus far.

As such, it’s been claimed Wolves have halved his one-time £70m valuation to around the £35m (€40m). Last month that led to speculation that he is wanted by Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa.

Those in the know, however, suggest Leeds are unlikely to spend big money this month. Indeed, Bielsa and Leeds’ focus is to retain their Premier League status and then re-invest this summer.

Adama Traore

However, Spanish outlet Sport claims Bielsa is desperate to get his hands on Traore. Furthermore, they state that talks over a deal with Wolves this month are ‘well underway’.

In addition, Leeds United are talked about as the ‘main destination’ for Traore ahead of other potential suitors.

While the story doesn’t make much sense, it’s suggested Leeds could ask Wolves to let Traore leave on loan with a view to a permanent deal this summer.


Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…


Spezia striker on Leeds radar

Italian reports, meanwhile, claim Leeds are in the hunt to sign Spezia striker M’Bala Nzola.

The 24-year-old Frenchman has been in fine form for the Serie A side this season, netting nine goals in 13 games.

According to Tuttosport (via Sport Witness) Leeds are exploring the possibility of signing Nzola. Patrick Bamford has impressed as Leeds’ striker with 10 goals in 17 appearances this season.

However, Bielsa wants more competition with summer signing Rodrigo operating in a deeper role. The Spaniard, a £26.9m signing from Valencia, has just three goals so far this season.

Whether Nzola is that man though remains to be seen. As mentioned, Leeds look unlikely to spend big money this month, with a striker not seen as a top priority.

Nzola joined Spezia on loan last season and helped them earn promotion from Serie B. He’s continued to impress since making the move permanent this summer and it’s reckoned they may have a tough task retaining his services beyond the summer.

READ MORE: Bielsa outlines complete trust in under-fire Leeds star