Joan Laporta has backed Wolves into a corner over Adama Traore transfer

Barcelona want to make Adama Traore's loan move permanent - but they don't want to spend a single penny to do so.

Wolverhampton Wanderers sent their wantaway winger back to Barcelona in January in good faith that a £25million permanent deal would be on the cards in the summer. Traore, for what it's worth, has done his bit with four assists in 10 games to draw praise from head coach Xavi.

Traore has had the impact Xavi wanted and Barcelona are looking to keep him at the Camp Nou beyond the summer. But president Joan Laporta has repeatedly cast doubt over whether Barcelona have the funds to complete the deal.

"We'd love Adama Traore to stay here, it's possible - but we're in a difficult financial situation," Laporta said recently, despite the fact Barcelona managed to fund the £50m-plus arrival of Ferran Torres in January, and are reportedly eyeing transfers for Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah.

Wolves now face the prospect of Traore returning to Molineux with under 12 months on his contract. The club is in a very difficult position where the Spaniard is concerned.

According to CIES Football Observatory, a reputable website when it comes to the valuations of players, Traore will be worth little over £12m if Barcelona decide against taking up their purchase option. Wolves face taking another big hit on a player rated at £60m at the peak of his powers.

The only option left which represents value-for-money from a Wolves perspective is a swap deal involving Francisco Trincao. The 22-year-old winger has spent this season on loan at Molineux from Barcelona and Wolves hold an almost identical purchase clause to the one in Traore's loan agreement.

Given Trincao's age, potential and profile, the deal makes absolute sense. It