Wolverhampton’s Adama Traore is close to making a return to his former club Barcelona, according to The Guardian.

The player has refused to sign a new deal at Wolves, despite manager Bruno Lage keen on keeping the 26-year-old at Molineux.

Xavi's side are looking to bring Traore in on a loan until June 2022. Barcelona would cover 100% of his wages while having an option to make the deal permanent for €30m + add-ons.

This latest development wouldn’t please Antonio Conte, as the Italian was interested in bringing the winger to North London. Although the Spaniard was initially interested in a move to Spurs, Barcelona’s emergence as an option all but blew Conte’s side out of the water.

Conte’s plan was to use Traore as a wingback, in his preferred system with three centre-backs. But, a move to Catalonia would allow him to feature in a more attacking role.

Back in 2020, the winger was asked in a radio interview in Cadena SER about a possible return to Barcelona and his comments seemed to leave the door open.  “I was there for 10 years and I had very good memories,” said the Spain International, reminiscing about his time at Camp Nou.

Traore has featured 20 times in the Premier League this season, with only 10 starts to his name. His only goal was a stoppage-time finish against Southampton to make it 3-1 for Wolves.