Julen Lopetegui keen to keep Adama Traore at Wolverhampton Wanderers

Julen Lopetegui has admitted that he would like to see Adama Traore commit his future to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Six weeks after Bruno Lage was initially sacked by the West Midlands outfit, Lopetegui is now in place at Molineux after his official unveiling on Monday.

Speaking to the media at Molineux, the Spaniard acknowledged that he wants to sign new players in January and retain the services of Ruben Neves, who he knows from his Porto days.

However, the contract situation of Traore will naturally be a hot topic for debate until and during the upcoming transfer window with the winger's existing deal due to expire in June.

The 26-year-old has previously stated that he eventually wants to return to his homeland after two separate spells at Barcelona.

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Nevertheless, it appears that Lopetegui retains hope that the attacker could have a change of heart and buy into his project at Wolves.

The former Sevilla boss is quoted by the Express & Star as saying: "Adama is our player. I've known him since he was 14 at Barcelona, he is stronger now.

"I know he has not finished the contract but the most important thing is he works hard here until June. After that, I don't know what is going to happen. Of course, I would be very happy if he was here."

Lopetegui is familiar with Traore from their respective periods with Spain Under-19s, Lopetegui spending three years with that age group and also coaching the Under-20s and Under-21s.

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Meanwhile, Traore represented the Under-16s, Under-17s, Under-19s and Under-21s, making a total of 18 appearances for his country in the youth ranks.

After an injury-hit start to the season, Traore recovered to make nine appearances from October 1 before the World Cup break, his solitary goal coming in a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

However, Lopetegui appears likely to view the wideman as a first-choice pick on the right-hand side of the pitch as Wolves look to move off the bottom of the Premier League table.

Once Wolves have played Gillingham in the EFL Cup on December 20, they resume top-flight action with a triple-header of Everton, Manchester United and Aston Villa.