Liverpool set to miss out as Spurs and West Ham battle it out for struggling Wolves star

Wolves are one of a number of Premier League clubs who will be looking to bolster their squads in January ahead of a crucial second half of the season.

After a slow start to the season, Wolves have improved and climbed to ninth, although they have won just once in their last five league matches, and weaknesses are starting to show.

The Midlands club boast the second-lowest goal tally in the division so far, with only 20th-placed Norwich City having scored fewer than Lage’s side’s 13 goals.

Despite their attacking concerns, it appears that the Portuguese may struggle to add to his ranks in January, and may even be forced to sell one of the club’s biggest assets to fund improvements elsewhere.

As per The Telegraph, Lage may be forced to sell winger Adama Traore, and two Premier League clubs are battling for the player’s signature.

The report states that both Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are interested in signing the 25-year-old, who has started just ten league games this season.

Traore is yet to register a goal or assist in 19 appearances this term

The Spaniard could possibly be available for around £20 million, as his current employers look to raise funds to invest elsewhere in the side, with the likes of Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence both ahead of Traore in the pecking order at Molineux.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte has recently revealed that he will delve into the transfer market this month to bolster his squad ahead of the second half of the campaign, while the Hammers’ recent decline in form could be cause for concern for David Moyes and the Scot may also opt to spend.

Traore has made 150 appearances for Wolves since joining the club from Middlesbrough in 2018.

The player has been linked with Liverpool in recent windows, however the Reds were deterred by his previous price tag, although Wolves have now lowered their demands.

If Traore is sold, Wolves will reportedly look to spend the funds on a striker and a central defender.