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Leeds ready to shatter record as Wolves sanction £40m sale – report

Leeds have been given the green light to sign Wolves star Adama Traore in what would be a club-record £40m, according to a report.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side are looking to build on an impressive first season back in the Premier League that saw them finish ninth. Bielsa, along with director of football Victor Orta, is hoping to add a new left-back and a midfielder to their quota.

However, they continually keep being linked with a new winger too amid doubts they could cash in on the inconsistent Helder Costa.

Costa was allowed to join Leeds on an initial loan in summer 2019. That became permanent last summer as Leeds secured promotion.

However, despite starting the season brightly, Costa lost his place thanks to the brilliant form of summer signing Raphinha.

And one man they regularly get linked with a move for is Traore.

The winger joined Wolves in a £18m deal from Middlesbrough in summer 2018. And he soon became one of the most feared opponents in the Premier League, with then-boss Nuno Espirito Santo bringing out the best in the winger.

That form saw him rated in the £60m bracket and regularly touted as a big-money target for Liverpool.

The season just finished though did not gone to plan. Traore badly lost form and only managed two goals and two assists during a difficult season.

Now, it seems Traore could be one man Wolves are willing to sacrifice as they look to provide some funds for new boss Bruno Lage.

Indeed, a report earlier this year stated they were prioritising his sale above all others. That’s amid claims that Ruben Neves is also a wanted man, with Arsenal lurking. Meanwhile, Everton have also been linked with both Conor Coady and Pedro Neto.

However, it seems Traore is the one they’d like to sacrifice. And as per Eurosport, that has alerted Leeds to his availability.

They claim the Whites are willing to meet Wolves’ £40m asking price with Bielsa confident he can get the best out of the winger.

Any deal is likely, however, to be on hold for a few weeks at least. Traore is currently away with the Spain squad at the European Championships. He was an unusued substitute in Monday’s 0-0 draw with Sweden.

Any deal would shatter Leeds’ transfer record. That currently stands at the £27m they paid Valencia last summer for forward Rodrigo Moreno.

 

Marcelo linked with Leeds

Leeds have also been linked with an ambitious transfer swoop for veteran Real Madrid left-back Marcelo.

The left side of defence has emerged as somewhat of a priority for the Whites this summer. Long-serving star Ezgjan Alioski looks to be on his way out, despite reports that he could sign a new deal. Meanwhile, Stuart Dallas has enjoyed his move to midfield, scoring important goals – including against Manchester City – last season.

A number of names have been linked – but Brazil star Marcelo is comfortably the most glamorous.

Assessing their chances, ex-Leeds man Noel Whelan backed his old club to land the 33-year-old.

“That would be a massive coup if Leeds can pull that one off,” the pundit said.

“He’s a very professional player who has played at the top level pretty much since he started his career.

“That would be very exciting. He’s someone who can pass on a lot of experience to the younger players there.”

READ MOREGary Neville delivers scathing verdict on Arsenal, Leeds defensive target

 

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