Shropshire Star

Wolves face battle with Middlesbrough over Adama Traore

Wolves' tug-of-war over number one target Adama Traore has escalated with Middlesbrough reportedly offering the forward a new contract.

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However Wolves are set to return with a fresh bid for the 22-year-old and remain confident of landing their man ahead of next Thursday's 5pm transfer deadline.

Wolves have already had a bid rejected for Traore – believed to be some way short of the £18million release clause he has written into his contract.

The player must now decide whether to pen a new deal or move up to the Premier League with Wolves, should they each reach an agreement with Boro or meet the £18m fee.

Boro boss Tony Pulis has urged Traore to stay at the Riverside, claiming that another season in the Championship would lead the former Villa winger to a move to a top six Premier League club.

"I've told him, I think another season with us and he'll get a top six club coming in, not just Premier League clubs," Pulis told a fans' forum.

"If he plays as well as he did last year and even improves, he could have top six clubs coming in for him.

"He has to make the decision, listen to those around him, the people he respects.

"Then I will give him and the club will give him the respect, and everybody has to give him the respect he deserves as a human being to do what he feels is right for Adama Traore.

"But we're doing our best to try and keep him here."

Traore is currently sidelined with a partially dislocated shoulder, however he’s not expected to be out for long.

As well as Wolves, fellow Premier League side Huddersfield Town have shown interest as they look to replace Tom Ince.

Wolves want to make at least two additions before the window shuts. They’re known to have been looking at wing backs and central midfielders, with Oleksandr Zinchenko covering both those positions.

He remains a target with a £16m offer on the table.