Chelsea have reportedly edged closer to a move for Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a fruitful season for Boro, scoring five goals and registering 10 assists to help steer his side into the Championship playoffs.
Traore was linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge in January 2017 but a move failed to materialise, the Teessiders subsequently suffering relegation from the Premier League.
According to The Mirror, the Blues have rekindled their interest in the Spain Under-21 international, with Tony Pulis facing a fight to hold on to his star man even if Boro return to the top flight.
The report goes on to claim that a deal, believed to be in the region of £30m, may be eased through as former Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon is a close confidant of Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson.
Traore, who has previously played for Barcelona and Aston Villa, is also believed to be on the radar of Everton and Newcastle United.
Giuseppe Labellarte
