Chelsea have revived their interest in Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore, according to the Evening Standard, but a prohibitive asking price could make negotiations difficult for the Spaniard.
Standard journalist Simon Johnson reports that the Blues made an enquiry about the 21 year old in January while negotiating with Middlesbrough over the deal for Patrick Bamford.
Boro responded by placing a £20m price tag on the winger, putting an end to interest from Chelsea at the time. It seems however Antonio Conte would still like the ex-Barcelona player as he feels his lightning quick pace would fit Chelsea’s counter attacking system perfectly.
Traore’s numbers for Middlesbrough, and for his previous club Aston Villa, are not particularly impressive though. In two seasons in English football, he has managed just one goal and three assists, despite making 43 appearances in all competitions.
With Middlesbrough asking for a £13m profit on the £7m they paid Villa for the winger just a year ago, it looks likely that Chelsea will seek to lower their demands before going ahead with any deal.
