Liverpool are poised to test Wolves’ resolve over star forward Adama Traore, but Jurgen Klopp’s plans for the Spaniard could see their bid fail, according to the Daily Star.
Klopp is a big fan of the robust livewire and has included the 25-year-old on his shortlists for some time. Liverpool even approached Wolves to discuss a deal for Traore 18-months ago, only to be blocked by a £60m valuation.
The Reds refused to pay up at the time, deeming the Barcelona product to be too expensive. But Liverpool are poised to test Wolves with a £30m bid for Traore, as several factors have slashed 50% off.
The coronavirus pandemic has hit Wolves, like many, hard and are having to make tough decisions to balance the books. Traore has also suffered with a persistent shoulder injury – including dislocating it four times during the 2019/20 campaign – that hit across last term.
His issues affected his form, with Traore only scoring twice and three assists in 37 Premier League games last season. Even though he was still able to start 28 times and only missed one fixture as a result of a hamstring problem.
Nonetheless, Liverpool are ready to see if Wolves will accept a half-price bid for Traore this summer. Another factor that could help is he only has two years left on a £43,000-per-week contract at Molineux.
Wolves have been locked in negotiations with Traore over a new deal for more than a year, per Birmingham Live. But no agreement has been found, and the Black Country side will likely look to cash in soon if they do not settle on new terms with one of their prized assets.
Klopp’s plans could see Liverpool fail in £30m bid for Wolves star Traore
However, while Liverpool are poised to offer Wolves £30m, the Daily Star add Klopp’s plans could see Traore reject joining. The German boss is likely to only offer the powerhouse an impact role at Anfield, often coming off the bench.
Traore has no interest in that role and may wait for a club where he will be a guaranteed starter. Yet the six-cap international, who made his senior Spain bow in October, has thrived from the bench previously. Ex-boss Nuno Espirito Santo hailed his impact as a 61st-minute introduction against Brighton in May, after scoring the equaliser to inspire a 2-1 victory.
“He changed the game totally,” Nuno said, via Wolves’ official website. “He created a great impact on the goal, besides the goal that he scored. All the one-versus-ones on the right side were very difficult for Brighton. The way he unbalanced Brighton, he did a fantastic job.
“Immediately Brighton had to put two, three players to cover on the left side and that opened spaces naturally for us. He did well and it’s a beautiful goal.”
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