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Pundit 'very surprised' by Tottenham after Sky update on Traore pursuit
Kevin Phillips has insisted Wolves’ Adama Traore would be nothing more than a “bit-part player” at Tottenham.
The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed “inconsistency” has been the 25-year-old’s main problem in recent years.
According to Sky Sports (7 January), Tottenham are showing “strong interest” in Traore with manager Antonio Conte looking to utilise the Spain international in a wing-back berth.
A Wolves source told Football Insider last week (5 January) that the rapid winger may be available for just £18million this month, after being valued at £50million in August.
Phillips insisted he would be “very surprised” if Conte looks to Traore as a defensive solution.
“It’s been two, two and a half years now since we’ve seen him at his best,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“It’s worrying because he won’t be able to play at that intensity forever.
“I’d be very surprised if Conte was to bring him in as a wing-back. His defensive qualities are virtually non-existent.
“Going forward, on his day, you can’t stop him. But his problem has just been the inconsistency.
“I can’t see him playing regularly at Spurs if he does sign there. I see him as more of a bit-part player if I’m honest.”
Traore has appeared in all but one of Wolves’ 22 games this term.
The eight-time Spain international netted three goals in 41 appearances last term.
Tottenham sit sixth in the Premier League with two games in hand on fourth-placed Arsenal.
Conte’s side face Chelsea in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final on Wednesday having lost the first game 2-0.
In other news, Fabio Paratici is calling ‘every day’ as Tottenham work on sealing a marquee signing.