Wolves target £18m Traore

WOLVES are set to smash their transfer record with the £18 million capture of Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore before Thursday’s deadline.

Adama is a priority target for Nuno Espirito Santo and Wolves remain in talks with Middlesbrough over a deal for the 22-year-old, who has a release clause. Wolves have already failed with a £12m bid for the Spain U-21 international – an offer which was well below the £18m figure required to sign him.

Stoke have signed defender Ashley Williams on a season-long loan from Everton. The Wales skipper joined the Toffees from Swansea in 2016, but has slipped down the pecking order at Goodison Park following the arrival of Marco Silva in June.

Williams becomes Gary Rowett’s sixth summer signing as Stoke aim to return to the Premier League at the first attempt. Boss Rowett said: “We have two very good senior central defenders in Ryan Shawcross and Bruno Martins Indi, but I felt it was important we brought in another experienced player to add to the competition.”

Crystal Palace have announced the signing of highly-rated former Schalke midfielder Max Meyer. The 22-year-old, who has won four caps for Germany, although none since 2016, has signed a three-year contract at Selhurst Park.

Burnley have resumed talks with West Brom over a deal for striker Jay Rodriguez and seen an offer worth up to £16m rejected.

Goalkeeper Joel Pereira has joined Vitoria Setubal on loan from Manchester United. The 22-yearold, who went on United’s summer tour, spent 2016/’17 in Portugal with Belenenses.