Report: Chelsea enquires over availability of Boro's Traore

Chelsea wants breakneck speed on the right flank.

Antonio Conte is eyeing Middlesbrough's Adama Traore as a potential signing this month after he's been bewildered by the Barcelona academy product's incredible pace this term, reports Sky Sports News HQ.

Traore, 20, only shifted to Teesside in the summer from Aston Villa, but that hasn't detracted Chelsea from making an approach for the winger after just 14 appearances for Middlesbrough.

One of Traore's most encouraging outings was in a 0-0 draw at Arsenal in October, when he continually got the better of Nacho Monreal with his devastating acceleration. His performance in the 1-0 home loss to Chelsea the following month was also encouraging, when he recorded a game-high 12 dribbles.

Traore hasn't shown a great deal of defensive ability, so rather than challenging the wing-back slot currently occupied by Victor Moses, he could also push for a spot on either side of Conte's front three - areas currently shared between Eden Hazard, Pedro, and Willian.

Meanwhile, Patrick Bamford's potential loan from the Blues to Boro nears fruition shortly after his temporary stay at Burnley was terminated. Although he failed to make a lasting impression in Lancashire, he's fondly remembered at the Riverside where he won the Championship's Player of the Year prize after scoring 17 goals in 40 appearances during a loan from Chelsea in 2014-15.