Wolves ally Jorge Mendes to open Adama Traore talks ahead of Barcelona decision

Wolverhampton Wanderers are making plans in case Barcelona decide against signing Adama Traore permanently.

Barcelona are unlikely to meet the £25million option in Traore’s loan agreement, despite the winger impressing head coach Xavi and club president Joan Laporta. Traore assisted four goals in his first six matches for Barcelona, but he has been used sparingly in the past two months.

Traore hasn’t started a La Liga game since February 27 and he has only played 44 minutes domestically since then. He featured more prominently in the Europa League before Barcelona’s quarter-final exit to Frankfurt.

Ousmane Dembele’s return to form and favour under Xavi has led to Traore being marginalised and Barcelona are keen to re-open contract negotiations with the French winger. Barcelona are likely to veto a move for Traore if Dembele renews his deal at the Camp Nou.

Laporta has already mooted the idea of a swap deal with Francisco Trincao, whose loan deal at Molineux reaches its conclusion next month. But Wolves are putting feelers out elsewhere in case Traore’s proposed move to Barcelona falls through.

Super-agent Jorge Mendes acted on Wolves’ behalf in the deal which took Traore to Barcelona in January and he will play his part in finding alternative buyers for the Spaniard. Traore still has lots of admirers around Europe and Wolves expect lots of interest if Barcelona don’t take up their option.

Traore will enter the final 12 months of his contract at Molineux in July and Wolves are reluctant to risk him walking away on a free transfer in 2023. The Spaniard has been valued at £60million in the past, but Wolves face losing him on a cut-price deal if Barcelona refuse their option.