RAFAEL BENITEZ wants to add Adama Traore to his Newcastle United squad, even though there are cheaper options in mind if Middlesbrough refuse to lower their valuation.

Benitez has been offered Jefferson Montero again because he has entered the final year of his contract at Swansea City and available for around the £4m mark.

The Newcastle boss was interested in him in January and knew he stood a better chance of getting a deal done this summer if he decided to maintain his admiration.

Reports in Spain have also suggested Benitez is considering making Jesus Navas an offer following his release at Manchester City. Navas had been expected to move to his former club Sevilla but that deal has stalled.

Newcastle are keen to bring in another winger with pace following the £6.2m purchase of Christian Atsu, knowing the Ghana international was at the club on loan last season so could still do with a different option.

That is why more and more wingers are being considered, with Andros Townsend still on the radar having failed to reach an agreement with Crystal Palace in January when Sam Allardyce was in charge.

There is a feeling Townsend could be available following Allardyce’s departure, but Benitez is also seriously interested in taking a gamble on Traore.

The Middlesbrough wide-man stunned the Premier League with his pace and ability to turn defence into attack last season following his move from Aston Villa, only to be let down by his final ball.

Nevertheless there is still a hefty £15m transfer fee on the former Barcelona youngster’s shoulders, a figure Benitez is reluctant to meet despite believing there is bags of potential in the 21-year-old.

Middlesbrough’s interest in Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow could certainly play a part and there has already been an offer worth £5m rejected at St James’ Park for the shot-stopper.

Benitez has only landed one new face so far to add to the squad that won the Championship, with defender Florian Lejeune the man who arrived from Eibar for £8.7m

There are a number of familiar names in Benitez’s sights but there is a desire to avoid paying over the odds for players, although there is plenty of cash available to spend.

Everton midfielder James McCarthy, who was targeted in January, is on the radar but the £20m asking price has put Newcastle off. That is why Manchester City’s Fabian Delph provides an experienced an attractive alternative for a cheaper price.

But Stoke City are also in the market for £12m-rated Delph and such a move would allow him to stay where he lives near Manchester.

Newcastle are still in negotiations with Frenchman Yoan Gouffran. The former Bordeaux midfielder has been offered a new deal after his contract expired but he is haggling for improved terms and a longer deal.