First Conte signing nears as Tottenham agree demands and ‘convince star’ into change of position

Tottenham are reportedly growing increasingly hopeful of securing the Adama Traore transfer – and it seems Antonio Conte has persuaded the star into something of an alternative role.

Spurs have long been admirers of the speedy Spanish winger. The north London club sought to sign Traore last summer, though a deal was not made despite the Nuno Espirito Santo connection.

Six months on and Tottenham remain in the mix to snag the 25-year-old. The Athletic revealed on Thursday Conte’s plan to utilise Traore in a new position if he were acquired.

Traore has been utilised as a wing-back before, despite being more comfortable further forward.

However, with both Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty struggling to adapt, Conte has seemingly convinced Traore into accepting the role.

Now their pursuit for the player appears to have been given another push along.

That’s after Daily Telegraph reporter Matt Law has stated that Spurs signing the Spaniard is now ‘looking likely’.

Furthermore, Wolves boss Bruno Lage concedes that selling Traore could be in Wolves’ best interests.

Lage on Traore transfer

Asked about selling Traore to Spurs, Lage said: “You are giving me something new. I don’t know anything about that, but what I said before I will say again.

“The most important thing, especially now, if it’s good for the club and it’s good for the player…

“The main thing is I’m happy with everyone.

“Just now I was asked about Morgan (Gibbs-White) and I said I’m happy with Morgan (being at Sheffield United) because I’m happy with the four guys.

Tottenham still want Adama Traore transfer as price drops

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is interested in previous Spurs transfer target Adana Traore as he looks to boost his attacking options

“I’m happy with Adama, I’m happy with Daniel (Podence), with Trincao, with Hwang and I’m available to receive players and not to see anyone go. But you never know.”

Furthermore, The Athletic claims there is a ‘growing belief’ that a deal for Traore will now be done. His asking apparent asking price of £18m is well within Tottenham’s remit.

That fee may well include a number of incentives that could take the fee nearer to the £25m mark. But all told, it is some way short of the £50m Wolves were seeking in summer 2020.

Spurs could even look to use Doherty as part of the deal. His former club are reportedly keen in re-signing the Irish defender. As such, he may yet be used to to part-finance the Traore transfer.

Ndombele exit looks likely

Tanguy Ndombele looks like he has played his last game for Tottenham after his actions left Antonio Conte furious on Sunday.

The £54m man – Spurs’ record signing – has failed to find his consistent best since moving from Lyon in 2019. And now it seems both player and manager are pushing for a divorce after his actions in Sunday’s FA Cup tie with Morecambe.

As per The Athletic and via several newspapers, Ndombele is hopeful of leaving by this summer at least. However, talks are being accelarated for his departure while the January window is still open.

That’s amid claims that Conte, as well as other senior figures at Spurs, were ‘disappointed by Ndombele’s actions’ on Sunday.

As reported by The Athletic, the French midfielder opted to leave the pitch slowly when substituted during the win over Morecambe.

He was also booed by a section of Spurs fans – and now it seems the writing is on the wall.

Now the Daily Express claims Roma are readying an approach for the midfielder, which would see him reunite with Jose Mourinho.

However, Spurs are pushing for a swap deal with Juventus. The Serie A side are already reported to have rejected their attemps to trade Ndombele for Weston McKennie.

READ MORE: Ben White explains why Arsenal have no need to sign Tottenham target