As reported by The Evening Chronicle, Newcastle United are in talks with Middlesbrough about bringing Adama Traore to St James' Park this summer.

What's the story?

With Rafa Benitez looking for players that can make Newcastle a force in the top-flight next season, competition is fierce when trying to find the right calibre of player.

With scouts across the world, Newcastle often make unconventional moves in the transfer market but it seems they've cast their eye very close to home.

The Evening Chronicle say they are in contact with Middlesbrough about the possibility of signing Adama Traore this summer. Signed by Boro for £7m last season, say the paper, he seems set on leaving the Riverside after the club were relegated.

What does he offer?

Potential is perhaps the biggest thing Traore offers. Still just 21, he gained a football education at the famous La Masia academy in Barcelona.

Last season he showed great ability in flashes but failed to put together the kind of consistency that could prevent Boro making the drop from the English Premier League.

He completed 135 dribbles in total across the campaign, demonstrating he can beat men one-on-one and if Rafa Benitez can harness that raw ability then Newcastle could have a very fine player on their hands.

His lack of goals or assists is of course a real problem but with his whole career ahead of him and the ceiling high on his potential then he appears to be a gamble worth taking for Newcastle.

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