Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore linked with Newcastle United move

Newcastle United have reportedly opened negotiations with North-East rivals Middlesbrough over the permanent signing of winger Adama Traore.

The 21-year-old flattered to deceive at the Riverside Stadium last season, failing to register a single goal and setting up just one in his 27 Premier League outings.

Following relegation to the Championship both Boro and Traore are said to be open to the idea of a transfer, with Newcastle currently the side showing the most interest.

The Newcastle Chronicle suggests that the unsettled former Aston Villa man, who cost the Smoggies £7m to sign last summer, is at the centre of discussions between the two clubs.

It is not known whether a deal to bring Traore to St James' Park is linked to Boro's rumoured interest in Karl Darlow, however, with the Magpies understood to have already knocked back their rivals' opening offer.