Ex-teammate issues verdict on Tottenham ‘taking a chance’ on Traore after source’s £20m-plus update
Alan Hutton has insisted Tottenham could secure a “decent deal” for Adama Traore after agreeing a £20million-plus fee with Wolves.
The former Spurs defender and ex-teammate of Traore’s, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the Lilywhites are taking a gamble as they close in on a deal for the 25-year-old.
A Spurs source told Football Insider on Saturday (22 January) the club are putting the finishing touches on the move and are preparing for the winger’s medical once he agrees personal terms.
Spurs are set to pay an initial £20million for Traore, with the fee topped up by £2.75million of add-ons.
Hutton. who was at Aston Villa with Traore, suggested the price is fair for Tottenham.
However, he admitted Spurs would still be “taking a chance” after the winger’s indifferent form in recent months.
“Adama, I understand there’s always going to be people that want to take a chance on him because of the assets he’s got and what he’s capable of,” Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“But can you mould him into a better player? Obviously Antonio Conte thinks so.
“It is actually a decent deal. If you think £22-23million, he’s still very young. He can offer a lot if you can get the best out of him.
“So I totally understand why they’re looking to bring him in.”
Traore has scored once in 20 Premier League appearances this season.
He netted just two goals and contributed three assists in 37 top-flight games last term.
In other news, pundit “very close” to Tottenham urges trust in Conte senior star set to be offloaded.