Wolves winger Adama Traore could be returning to Middlesbrough just six months after leaving the Riverside stadium, according to reports in the UK.

The 23-year-old was sold for £18m in the summer but he has struggled to convince manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Speaking about Traore earlier this month, Santo said that the wide man needed to improve to become a regular first-team player at Molineux:

“Adama must improve, of course, he has good things and given us good moments but he has to be consistent through all the performances.”

It appears, however, that Wolves have already lost patience with him and are lining up a replacement before the transfer deadline. The Premier League side are reportedly looking to sign Rubin Kazan’s Sardar Azmoun.

If the £12m deal for the Iranian international is finalised, it could allow Traore to return to Teesside either on loan for the rest of the season or on a permanent deal.

Boro boss Tony Pulis has been keen to add pace to his team’s attack and the return of the lightning-quick Spaniard would certainly fit the bill.