All the latest transfer talk from the North-East and beyond …

NEWCASTLE

The Magpies have been linked with a surprise move for a former Middlesbrough man.

It has been suggested that Newcastle are ready to make a move for Aston Villa’s Albert Adomah if they continue to hit a brick wall in the pursuit of Andros Townsend.

Given how Rafa Benitez is willing to sell Matt Ritchie to Stoke if he can bring in Townsend and Chelsea’s Kenedy, it would seem strange to think he would effectively swap Ritchie for Adomah if Townsend deal doesn't happen.

The Ghana international does provide the sort of pace he is looking for down the flanks but he has only played twice in the Premier League and would represent something of a gamble at the age of 30 – even if he is a lot cheaper.

Benietz remains on the trail of another Brazilian, a friend of Kenedy, after having an offer for Lille midfielder Thiago Maia rejected.

Reports in France claim Lille have knocked back a loan bid for Maia after having a cash offer turned down earlier in the summer.

MIDDLESBROUGH

Wolves and Huddersfield are well aware that Adama Traore is in no rush to leave Middlesbrough this summer.

The two clubs knows that Traore is focused on building up his fitness as the new season approaches and he is due to make his first appearance against Spennymoor tomorrow night.

Aston Villa are hoping that a near £20m deal can be secured so that they will receive a 20 per cent sell on fee for him.

Middlesbrough are actually looking to improve the squad rather than reduce it and Burnley’s Sam Vokes is on the agenda.

Vokes looks like he could leave the Premier League club this summer and Middlesbrough are one of the clubs keen.

Tony Pulis wants to bring in at least one new striker and Vokes is exactly the sort of front-man he is looking for. The 6ft 2in striker scores goals and brings other players in to play, as well as the fact he works hard.

SUNDERLAND

Wahbi Khazri has cut short his summer holiday to push through a deal with St Etienne.

Khazri’s future has been a hot topic because of a battle between Les Verts, Rennes and a clutch of clubs from Turkey and China.

But it is St Etienne who are set to win the race and they are set to make him one of the most well paid footballers in the division by agreeing a £4m-a-year contract.

Rennes were prepared to push the boat out to give him those terms too although St Etienne’s willingness to pay around £9m to Sunderland has almost got the move over the line.

Sunderland have been working hard to move players on since Stewart Donald took over from Ellis Short and Khazri’s departure will be a welcome boost.

Sunderland are still pushing hard to bring in more new faces after signing six so far. Their cause will be helped by selling the likes of Khazri, while it has also emerged they have brought in around £650,000 from bonus fees paid out by FIFA for the likes of Khazri and Jordan Pickford playing in the World Cup.

OTHER CLUBS …

Manchester United will open negotiations with Hirving Lozano and PSV after the Mexico international had an impressive World Cup.

Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri landed in London on Sunday, sparking more rumours about a move to either Arsenal or Chelsea.