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Wolves lead West Ham in the race for La Liga ace but there is one big issue to overcome

Wolves have the edge over West Ham in the race to sign winger Lucas Ocampos this summer but Sevilla are out to make life difficult for both clubs.

Wolves have long been linked with move for the winger who is shining in La Liga. The 27-year-old has scored nine goals in 36 appearances this season and West Ham are also keen. But getting him on board will be easier said than done.

Reports in Super Deporte claim that Wolves do have the edge over West Ham. That is down to the fact boss Bruno Lage has a good relationship with Sevilla.

This came about from Wolves selling Rafa Mir to the La Liga side last year. It means relations between the two clubs are good and could make a potential transfer smoother.

Transfer fee an issue

However there is one potential issue for Wolves and West Ham, the size of the transfer fee. The report claims that there is a £58m release clause in the player’s contract.

That could be achievable for both clubs, but Sevilla are keen to keep hold and have a plan. They are attempting to get Ocampos tied down to a new one-year contract extension. If that happens the new deal is said to include a £75m release clause. They hope that would scare off any potential suitors.

It remains to be seen if any club would go that high. But there is another sticking point as Ocampos is happy with Sevilla. Last summer Leeds United and Liverpool were in the hunt but he pledged his future to Sevilla.

“I love this city [Seville] and what has happened in the past two years. I hope it continues,” he said at the time. “I’m very happy here and I’m not thinking of playing anywhere else than here.”

It remains to be seen if anything has changed but he could soon have another decision to make. Now all eyes will be on Wolves and West Ham to see if an offer is made in the summer.

Wolves need a new winger

Wolves are definitely in the hunt for a new winger as doubts surround the future of Adama Traore. Traore is currently on loan at Barcelona and that deal could become permanent.

They have already been linked with Newcastle’s Allan Saint-Maximin as a replacement. At £50m the Newcastle star would be cheaper than Ocampos. He is also proven in the Premier League.

Wolves could rake in £30m from the sale of Traore and that will help fund any deals.

READ MORE: Wolves looking to take gamble on inexperienced Brazilian, with Barcelona also in the running

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