Transfer round-up: Newcastle and Middlesbrough in transfer talks over Traore and Darlow while Sunderland defender interests Burnley

RAFAEL BENITEZ has struggled to get deals done this summer but it could be that landing Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore is much easier than some of the others he has attempted.

What it could depend on is just how much Benitez wants his compatriot. The Spanish winger could leave Boro if the price is right and there is no doubt Middlesbrough would like £10m for someone who has attracted interest from Chelsea this year.

Newcastle could pay that if they want, although Middlesbrough’s interest in securing the Magpies’ goalkeeper Karl Darlow could prove pivotal in any deal.

Benitez has only brought in Florian Lejeune so far and hopes to have another player on board by Friday’s first pre-season friendly against Hearts.

As well as Traore, Newcastle are still in the frame for players they have been keen on for months. Everton’s James McCarthy and Manchester City’s Fabian Delph are on the radar, while Real Sociedad’s Willian Jose, free agent Jesus Navas and Villarreal’s Cedric Bakambu are also linked.

MIDDLESBROUGH

The Darlow situation is what is most prominent in Middlesbrough’s thinking at the moment and there is a belief they could get a deal done.

Boro boss Garry Monk knows how much Benitez wants to bring in a new keeper and the chances of landing him could depend on whether someone like Pepe Reina moves to St James’ Park.

Middlesbrough have already had an offer rejected for Darlow but Newcastle are not interested in a deal with add-ons, they would prefer straight cash for a player they paid £4.2m for. Monk must decide whether he will pay upwards of £5m for him out of his transfer budget.

The new Middlesbrough boss has brought in Cyrus Christie and Jonny Howson so far and now he is keen to build on those after flying out to Portugal with his squad this morning.

SUNDERLAND

Despite making an appearance for Sunderland at Bury on Friday and travelling to Scotland for this week’s friendlies, Lamine Kone would still be one of the favourites to leave this month.

The Ivorian defender was highly sought after a year ago and had looked like going to Everton for £25m. A move to Goodison Park is unlikely now following their successful move for Burnley’s Michael Keane.

However, that deal has raised the possibility of Burnley looking to Kone to replace Keane. There is no way Sunderland will be able to seal such a hefty figure now after a disappointing year, but there could be a fee in excess of £10m.

Burnley have made an enquiry for the centre-back and he wants to play top-flight football again, plus Simon Grayson knows he could do with extra funds to spend himself.

Grayson completed the loan signing of Ty Browning after last week’s deal for Brendan Galloway. He hopes Aiden McGeady will thrash out his contractual differences with Everton to complete a £2m deal.

Then there is strong interest in the likes of Max Gradel and Rob Snodgrass, although both players’ valuations is likely to mean Sunderland could only do loans with a view to permanent switches on promotion.

Grayson is also looking for a goalkeeper and is set to miss out on free agent John Ruddy who is set for Wolves.

OTHER CLUBS

MANCHESTER United captain Wayne Rooney, 31, has completed a medical before his anticipated return to boyhood club Everton. He has already been at Finch Farm and no hitches are expected.

That is the case too with Romelu Lukaku, who has had his medical in the USA ahead of joining up with the rest of the Manchester United when he completes his £75m switch from Everton.

It has been reported that Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 35, could be handed a new deal by United when he recovers from a knee injury.

Manchester United feature heavily in the papers, with Jose Mourinho still looking to spend. Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier, 23, is next on his hit-list, even though Spurs maintain he is not for sale at any price after the England international was linked with a £50m move.

Liverpool have been offered the chance to sign Real Madrid attacking midfielder James Rodriguez, 25, but the Merseyside club are not willing to pay the whopping £66m fee.