Liverpool’s pursuit of Adama Traore has been given the backing by former Anfield favourite Stan Collymore, who tells the Mirror (26 May, page 47) that the Wolverhampton Wanderers winger could bring a ‘new dimension’ to the Premier League leaders.
Given that there are only a handful of footballers across the continent who can rival Traore when it comes to raw pace and power, you can see why Jurgen Klopp would be taking such a keen interest in the former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough starlet.
The 24-year-old has added some much-needed end product to his game since linking up with Nuno Espirito Santo at Molineux, and that ruthless streak means he is all-but unstoppable when he is in full flight.
Traore almost single-handedly dismantled Manchester City on their own soil in the autumn and, in total, has contributed 16 goals and assists in all competitions.
The Sun claims that Klopp would love to work with the one-time Barcelona wonderkid at Anfield with a £60 million bid under consideration, and a rampaging, old-school winger promises to offer something different compared to modern, inside forwards like Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.
“I like the Traore to Liverpool rumour,” Collymore says.
“Traore was poor at Aston Villa but was still a kid then. It was Tony Pulis who breathed new life into him at Middlesbrough.
“The Spaniard has been a revelation at Wolves and has gone from a 20-minute impact substitute to a player who offers good delivery and frightening pace. He could bring an extra dimension to the Champions elect.”
Wolves, bankrolled as they are by a billionaire Chinese conglomerate, will have no need to sell one of their star performers this summer while £60 million deals like this are set to be few and far between during an uncertain market.
Collymore and co should not hold their breath then. Traore might have admirers at Anfield but whether a deal is even financially possibly remains to be seen.
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