Chelsea have approached Middlesbrough over the availability of winger Adama Traore.
Traore joined Boro from Aston Villa on the final day of the summer transfer window, but has since attracted the attention of Chelsea boss Antonio Conte because of his pace.
The 20-year-old, who started his career at Barcelona, has featured 14 times in the Premier League for Aitor Karanka’s side this season.
Conte is looking to bolster his squad this month having allowed midfielders Oscar and John Obi Mikel to leave Stamford Bridge for the Chinese Super League.
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Middlesbrough remain in advanced talks over a deal for forward Patrick Bamford.
Bamford spent the first half of the season on loan at Burnley, but failed to establish himself as a first-team regular under Sean Dyche and was recalled to Chelsea last weekend.
The 23-year-old scored 19 goals in 44 appearances while on loan at Boro during the 2014-15 campaign and Sky sources understand Karanka is keen to bring him back to Riverside to bolster a side that has netted only 17 times in the Premier League.
