Report: Everton and Newcastle lagging behind in Adama Traore chase

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Everton and Newcastle United reportedly both have their eye on Adama Traore, but currently look set to miss out.

According to the Sunday Mirror (06/05; page 70), Everton and Newcastle both have their eye on Middlesbrough star Adama Traore, but find themselves lagging behind Chelsea in the race to sign the Spaniard.

For much of his time in England, Traore has been criticised for failing to back up his lightning pace with any kind of end product. He was part of the Aston Villa side that was relegated to the Championship during his first year in England, and then suffered the same fate one year later with Middlesbrough.

However, the former Barcelona starlet has certainly found his feet this year. He has scored five goals and contributed 10 assists for promotion-chasing Boro to help Tony Pulis’ side guarantee a play-off spot and probably set up a semi-final with his old side Aston Villa.

Unsurprisingly, Traore’s form has not gone unnoticed with the Mirror (06/05; page 70) reporting that Chelsea are leading the £30 million chase for the 22-year-old, while the Toffees and Magpies are also in the hunt but behind the Blues at the moment.

Traore would arguably be an extremely exciting addition for either Everton or Newcastle. He appears to have developed his game significantly this season, and that suggests that he could be a major success in the top flight at the third time of asking.

Of course, the full-backs are better in the Premier League, but he has had teams doubling up when it comes to trying to mark him out of the game, and that has often still not worked, so Rafa Benitez or Sam Allardyce should perhaps be confident that if they can somehow get themselves back in the race, they may be able to land a frightening talent who could really capture the imagination at either St James’ Park or Goodison Park.