Leeds: £18m deal now 'definitely alive' at Elland Road | OneFootball

Leeds United could swoop for Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore as a deal is ‘definitely still alive’ thanks to being adored by Elland Road director of football Victor Orta, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Whites have already lured Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca to Yorkshire, but Traore could prove to be another summer addition to head coach Jesse Marsch’s squad.

What’s the latest news involving Traore?

According to Football Insider, Leeds have a strong interest in Traore and have made an approach over a potential move for the Wolves man.

The report suggests £18million could be enough to secure the eight-cap Spain international’s services and Orta is leading the charge after signing Traore from Aston Villa when he was working behind the scenes at Middlesbrough in 2016.

Wolves are interested in cashing-in on the 26-year-old as his £46,000-per-week contract runs out next summer, meaning the current transfer window is one of their final opportunities to secure a fee unless a new deal is agreed.

Traore is back at Molineux after spending the second half of last season on loan with La Liga giants Barcelona.

Although the deal included the option of being made permanent for £29million, Barcelona opted against taking advantage and Everton have also been keeping tabs on the situation.

What has Dean Jones said about Traore?

Jones understands Leeds remain admirers of Traore and could make a move before the summer window closes on September 1.

The transfer insider believes Orta has been eager to be reunited with the Spaniard for a prolonged period of time.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “They are obviously looking at other players too, but Adama Traore is on the list and the key thing to remember is that Victor Orta loves Adama Traore.

“He has wanted him in the door for ages, so that one is definitely still alive.”

Why is Traore of interest to Leeds?

There are huge question marks over Raphinha’s long-term future, with Arsenal already testing Leeds’ resolve with a big-money bid last week.

It means the Whites need to start preparing for the possible eventuality of the Brazilian no longer being at Marsch’s disposal and Traore, who offers bags of Premier League experience thanks to featuring in the competition 160 times, could be an ideal solution.

Although FBref statistics show Raphinha averaged more goals per 90 minutes last season, Traore notched a greater assists ratio and boasted a better pass completion percentage.