Newcastle transfer news: Rafa Benitez could reportedly sign Adama Traore for £15m from rivals Middlesbrough

NEWCASTLE UNITED are reportedly plotting a swoop on North East rivals Middlesbrough for Adama Traore.

Boro missed out on a return to the top-flight when they were defeated by Aston Villa in the Championship play-off semi-final a fortnight ago.

Now the claims the Tessiders are bracing themselves for offers for the rapid winger.

And the report also states Traore could be available for cheaper than expected, with Riverside chiefs valuing him at £15million.

The figure is surprising considering that a £30m price tag has already been quoted after it emerged Chelsea and Everton were also believed to keen.

West Ham have also been linked with a move for the 22-year-old after his explosive form at Boro since the arrival of Tony Pulis.

Traore had struggled to find top form since joining from Aston Villa in 2016.

However he has scored five and set up ten goals since the turn of the year.

SPANISH AD-RCHER Traore receives surprise Spanish call to link-up with World Cup squad

And that is what has reportedly caught the eye of Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez.

Toon are looking to fill the void left by Chelsea loanee Kennedy and the electrifying wideman would no doubt provide extra creativity for the St James’ Park outfit.

But Boro are not believed to be under any pressure to sell and Pulis is unlikely to be happy to lose his key attacker.

The club confirmed earlier this month that they will receive a £34.9m parachute payment from the Premier League.

And their manager will be hoping to use a hefty amount of that to bolster his squad for another crack at promotion.