Tottenham Hotspur must stump up the cash if they want to sign Adama Traore before next week's transfer deadline...

What's the word?

Reports emerged earlier this week claiming that Spurs were in talks over a potential move for the Wolves winger, with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming in the Guardian that the north Londoners were trying to sign him on an initial loan with an option to make the move permanent for £40m.

However, it has now been revealed that the Midlands side are only prepared to sanction his departure if the Lilywhites meet their full asking price upfront.

That's according to talkSPORT's transfer expert Alex Crook, who tweeted earlier this week:

"I'm also told #Wolves would be willing to cash in on Adam Traore if #THFC or anyone else matches their £40m valuation."

The final piece?

It's now on sporting director Fabio Paratici and manager Nuno Santo to convince chairman Daniel Levy into splashing that much on a player and if they manage to do so, they could well round off their summer activity quite nicely.

Traore has been a terror in the Premier League for the last few seasons and once again, Spurs witnessed first-hand the damage he can do.

The Spain international may not have scored at the weekend but he gave Japhet Tanganga all sorts of problems - a frequent occurrence when the explosive powerhouse lines up against the side.

"He has totally caused us mayhem in every game we played he takes two players out creates so much space and suits way Nuno wants to play," claimed Spurs legend Graham Roberts on Twitter.

On Sunday, Traore was successful with nine of his ten dribbling attempts (90%), created four key chances and won a whopping 17 of 22 duels (77%), as per SofaScore, leaving Tanganga with a lower rating and a yellow card for his troubles.

Indeed, this has been a regular thing with many teams across the Premier League as someone of Traore's build is hugely difficult to defend against. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp went as far as deeming him "unplayable" after one encounter.

Last season, no player in the entire top-flight managed as many dribbles per game (4.1) as the Spaniard, whilst he was fouled 2.3 times per match (third-highest in the division), which only reinforces the German's view.

Also lauded as a "machine" by Rio Ferdinand, the £27m-rated winger would undoubtedly continue to thrive, particularly thanks to the familiarity with Nuno in the dugout.

After the arrivals of Cristian Romero and Byran Gil, and the news that Harry Kane will be staying in north London, Traore would surely be the icing on the cake in what should be regarded as a top, top summer for Spurs.

AND in other news, "I'm told": Alasdair Gold drops huge Spurs transfer claim, fans will be buzzing...