Liverpool face competition for Wolves star as former side come calling

With what was undoubtedly the most staggering summer of transfers in history still fresh in the memory, clubs must now prepare for the January window, which is just weeks away. 

A number of the world’s best and most high profile players, including both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, made sensational moves during the summer, as Premier League clubs once again forked out hundreds of millions of pounds to bolster their squads.

Now, talk is turning to the approaching January window, which begins on New Year’s Day, and promises to be equally as exciting, if not quite as lucrative.

A number of proposed deals are rumoured to be in the pipeline, while a number of players who are out of contract next summer could also agree pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs, as per the current rules.

One player that it seems could be on the move in January is Wolves’ Adama Traore, who has been linked with a departure from Molineux for several months now.

The Spanish winger is almost unplayable when at his best, but has struggled to maintain his form since joining Wolves in 2018.

Now, it is being reported that Wolves are ready to sell the dynamic winger, and Liverpool are yet again being linked as potential suitors.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have been linked with a move for Traore ever since he arrived in England, and 90min is now reporting that the club still have an interest in him, although they could be rivalled by Barcelona for his signature.

The 25-year-old began his senior career with the Spanish giants having progressed through their youth system, but the player only made four appearances for the first team before joining Aston Villa in 2015.

Since then, Liverpool have been rumoured to have been chasing the player, who Klopp has previously complimented.

A move is yet to materialise however, and it now appears that the Reds may face competition to sign Traore, who has 18 months remaining on his current contract..

The report claims that talks between the player and his current employers have not progressed much since starting in 2019, and this is one of the reasons why the player has been out of favour under both Nuno Espirito Santo and Bruno Lage.

Liverpool were deterred in the summer by Wolves’ £40 million asking price for Traore, a price which also deterred Leeds United, while the midlands club also rejected an undisclosed offer from Tottenham Hotspur.

Now, the return of Xavi to the Nou Camp as Barcelona boss has fuelled speculation that the player could return to his former side.

Xavi was appointed Barcelona’s new manager earlier in November.

Traore has previously credited the ex-Spain midfielder with helping his development, and the Catalan giants are believed to be in the market for a winger having already been linked with Cristian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling.

It is suggested that the most likely solution could be an initial loan deal with a view to making it a permanent one next summer.