Chelsea in shock link for Adama Traore

Premier League champions Chelsea are weighing up a summer bid for Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore, according to Catalan media outlet Sport.

The 21-year-old has shown some promise in his debut season with Boro despite failing to get on the scoresheet in 27 Premier League appearances, and the Blues manager Antonio Conte clearly believes he has the potential to develop into a quality footballer.

Traore should be available for sale now that Middlesbrough were relegated to the Championship, but it remains to be seen whether the two sides can reach an agreement over the transfer fee.

The highly rated winger had come through Barcelona’s famous youth academy and eventually made a £7 million switch to Aston Villa in 2015.

However, Traore was largely disappointing during his stint with the Villains, making just 11 substitute appearances.