Newcastle United are battling West Ham for the signature of Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore.
Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore in action with West Ham United’s Aaron Cresswell and Pedro Obiang
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United have made their first move for Adama Traore by enquiring about a deal for the Middlesbrough winger.
The Magpies have tied up a deal for one winger already this summer by signing Christian Atsu on a permanent basis following a successful loan spell, but manager Rafael Benitez may yet be looking for more.
Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore in action with Everton’s Morgan Schneiderlin
With no clear indication on what the future holds for Newcastle’s out of contract wide man Yoan Gouffran, Benitez should be in the market for at least one more winger to provide cover and competition for Matt Ritchie.
Now, the Daily Mail report that Newcastle have made their first move to sign Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore by lodging an enquiry for the Spaniard – but they may find a deal difficult to pull off.
Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore looks dejected after a missed chance
Traore, 21, came up through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, but joined Aston Villa in 2015, where he struggled to make an impact before being sold to Middlesbrough following Villa’s relegation to the Championship.
The Spanish speedster showed flashes of his ability in the top flight last season, impressing with his combination of power, pace and dribbling ability – but his end product let him down all too often, as he registered just one assist and no goals.
Garry Monk shakes hands with Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Traore suffered relegation again and is back in the Championship, prompting Newcastle to attempt a deal for the wide man, challenging Premier League rivals West Ham United for his signature.
However, it’s noted that Middlesbrough are reluctant to sell as new manager Garry Monk believes he can develop and improve Traore, meaning he could block Newcastle’s attempts to raid their local rivals for the youngster.
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