What's The Story With Adama Traore?

West Ham have 'stalked' or pursued Spanish International Adama Traore for the best part of half a decade, however due to Wolves' overly high valuation never managed to get the deal over the line, well that's all 'aboot' to change as Jeremy Clarkson would say!

For some reason Wolves and the 27 year old have not been able to come to an agreement on a new contract and consequently his original deal ended on July the 2nd, why do clubs let 'valued' players let their contracts expire? Leicester City did the same with another Hammers target, Youri Tielemans, they turned down a bid in excess of £40 Million from the Irons and an astonishing £50 Million from perennial overspenders David Moyes' old club Everton.

Traore HAS had fitness issues, although many can be blamed on his absolutely ferocious pace! While quite a lot slower, Hammers own Mikey Antonio used to suffer terribly from Hamstring injuries due to him running full on without thinking about the damage he could cause himself. Nowadays thanks to a much better diet AND more importantly having been encourged TO BE A BIT MORE 'REALISTIC' about his attempts at reaching the ball, Antonio is capable of playing the long game throughout a season.

Traore is a speed machine that needs careful maintenance to keep functioning correctly, IF he was coached AND used properly he could be a devastating performer in East London. Traore would ideally suit Hammers current set up and if David Moyes is retained as manager would be an absolute shoe in for the team, the prospect of having to face Antonio AND Traore would fill defenders with terror, add in Hammers other rapid wingmen and you could have a potent forward line irrespective of who plays as a striker up front.

THe ex-Barcelona speedster is apparently NOT demanding silly money, however he does seek a lengthy contract WITH a buy out clause, a deal Wolves would NOT sanction although they ARE trying to put together an 'emergency' proposal to their former player having seen him call their bluff.

Of course there is NO such thing as a free transfer anymore because there are agent fees and signing on fees involved, but Traore an anything less than £100,000 per week and £5 Million in agent fees is an absolute no brainer and perhaps Hammers should be looking to move as quickly as possible for Traore.

The only fly in the ointment is that Hammers have been burned so much in the past by signing players with poor injury records that they are in danger of being unable to see the wood for the trees! It should be remembered though that Traore IS accustomed to Premier League football and is fully acclimatised to living on these drab shores.

Handled properly, Traore could be a significant signing for the Irons and at 27 has a good FIVE years ahead of him, sign him now keep him fit and then sell him on in a couple of years time while he is at his peak could be a damn good bit of business, will Hammers do it or will it be a "we tried" story with Adama Traore, hopefully the former? - Ed