Tottenham are reportedly willing to include out-of-favour defender Matt Doherty in the deal to sign Spanish international Adama Traore.
According to The Athletic, Tottenham are exploring their options to sign Adama Traore from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the January transfer window. Spurs are willing to include out-of-favour Irish defender Matt Doherty in a part-exchange deal to reduce a possible high transfer fee.
Adama Traore is no longer the undisputed starter he once was at Wolves. Under Bruno Lage, the Spanish international has had to settle for a rotation role, with the Portuguese manager preferring to bring him on as an impact substitute.
While those tactics might have worked in Wolves’ favour at times, as seen during their recent victory over Manchester United, Traore is a bit unsettled at Molineux. A transfer away from the club was on the cards in the summer when the winger refused to commit to a new deal. He can still leave in the January transfer window if the offers are reasonable.
Tottenham had been keen on signing Traore in the summer as former boss Nuno Espirito Santo was seeking a reunion. However, the north Londoners failed to agree on a fee with Wolves. In Antonio Conte’s new regime, there is certainly a need for a player of the Spanish international’s quality, which is why Tottenham retain their interest in the flying winger.
Conte likes to play with wing-backs and wants to play Traore in that hybrid attacking position out wide. The Tottenham boss is somewhat satisfied with the options on the left, with Sergio Reguilon and Ryan Sessegnon providing him with valuable ideas there. However, he has heavily relied on Emerson Royal, who is yet to convince Conte completely on the right-hand side.
Meanwhile, Emerson’s backup Matt Doherty is not considered a solid player by Conte, and Spurs could include him in the deal to sign Traore. The Tottenham boss wants to utilise the Spaniard’s pace and awareness on the wings to play him in the expert position.
Recently Wolves were linked with a move for Doherty, 18 months after he exited Molineux. Tottenham thus want to take advantage of their interest and include the Irish defender as part of the deal to reduce the asking price for Traore. It could be an interesting deal if the structure is correct, as both clubs get a player they need without much hassle.
However, there could be complications along the way, especially given that other clubs are keeping tabs on Traore, notably Liverpool, who have been on his trails since the summer. Tottenham might get sidelined from the chase if the Reds or any other big clubs come into the equation.
Tottenham will aim to make a good offer early on to get a head start ahead of their rivals in the chase. Traore could be a good signing for Tottenham, who could use his pace and create a new dimension from Conte’s favourable wing-back position.
