The Times claim Tottenham turned their attentions to Wolves star Adama Traore as Brighton priced Spurs out of a move to sign Tariq Lamptey. Traore is closing in on a move to Spurs, on a potential loan-to-buy deal.
Traore, who turned 26 on Tuesday, is in the final 18 months of his Wolves deal and reports claim he has agreed a £120,000-a-week contract. It is widely expected the Spain international will sign for Spurs soon.
But The Times claim it could have been very different. Gary Jacob reports that Spurs have only pursued a move for Wolves star Traore, as they were priced out of a move to sign Brighton’s Lamptey. He is rated at £50million.
The Express reported earlier this month that Brighton wanted a similar fee to the one they received from Arsenal for Lamptey – £50million. Traore is expected to cost Spurs less than half that, potentially on loan initially.
Traore or Lamptey: Tottenham making the right decision
Lamptey is a superb talent. English, still only 21, he would have been a brilliant signing. But for a player that has played little more than just 30 times at professional level, £50million is a ridiculous price tag.
Traore is a Spain international and while many Spurs fans are concerned with his end product, he is a proven Premier League performer that does strike fear into his opponents. A bargain at £20million.
While Lamptey might have been more suited to Conte’s right wing-back role, Traore is better value for money. It gives Spurs the chance to sign other players to bolster their squad before the January deadline.
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