Tottenham transfer news: Key officials pushing to make Adama Traore a Conte ‘priority’ as feeling lingers

Certain officials involved in recruitment at Tottenham still feel Wolves star Adama Traore would be a good signing, one journalist has claimed.

Spurs have had long-term interest in the Spain international but ramped up their chase in January. Indeed, manager Antonio Conte wanted to convert the pacey winger into a powerful wing-back option.

Instead, Traore moved to Barcelona on loan for the second half of last season and is now back in the West Midlands.

What’s more, Tottenham boss Conte has brought in Djed Spence from Middlesbrough as his right wing-back option.

Former Inter man Ivan Perisic has also moved to north London, reuniting with Conte.

However, there is talk of a third wing-back signing arriving at Tottenham. Reports claimed that Spence, while an exciting prospect, primarily came in to boost his new club’s homegrown player quota amid their return to the Champions League.

And according to transfer journalist Dean Jones, Traore is still on the radar of some key Spurs officials.

“I think Adama Traore still would have to be considered for that slot,” Jones said. “We know how much they liked him.

“There are people involved in the set-up that really want Adama Traore and even would make him a priority because they think it’d be such a good fit.”

Adama Traore looking for career revival

Traore showed flashes of his pace and strength at Middlesbrough, but he was still a raw talent.

His move to Wolves with Nuno Espirito Santo took him to a new level. And he peaked in the 2019/20 season, when his three goals in two games against Manchester City helped depose them as Premier League champions.

Since then, though, he has dropped off – alongside the rest of the squad in the 2020/21 season.

Bruno Lage then came in as manager and Traore again showed flashes of his best without maintaining those spells.

He has one year left on his contract and so Wolves and the player face a decision over his future. Should nothing happen, Traore could leave for a cut-price fee in January – a fraction of his previous worth – or for free next summer.

Tottenham have decision to make

Spurs and Conte also have a decision to make as to whether they feel they have enough quality at wing-back for the new season.

Conte knows how competitive the Premier League is, having won it with Chelsea in 2017. But battling for the top four last term was hard enough and will likely be harder in 2022/23.

Adama Traore to Spurs?

Adama Traore’s loan spell at Barcelona has come to an end and there are many Premier League clubs interested in the winger, with Spurs being the favourites to sign him.

As such, there is clearly an appetite for one more signing in the wing-back area at Tottenham.

The wide men for Conte are crucial in his success everywhere he goes. The situation is therefore one to watch as the transfer window progresses.