Chelsea have jumped to the front of the queue to sign Middlesbrough ace Adama Traore, according to The Yorkshire Post.

A number of Premier League clubs are lining up summer swoops for impressive winger Traore but Chelsea are now in pole position to capture him.

Newcastle United, Everton and West Ham United are three clubs who have been strongly linked with Middlesbrough's star man after it emerged that his price tag of £30m had been halved.

Boro face a battle to keep the 22-year-old, who impressed with a tally of five goals and 10 assists for his side this year, helping them to a play-off spot but they ultimately lost to Aston Villa in the semi-finals to consign them to a second consecutive season in the Championship.

The former Spain youth international has been so impressive for Boro this season that he has earned a place in Spain's senior squad, although he is not heading to the World Cup just yet.

Chelsea are now front-runners to sign Traore, who is considered to be one of the quickest and most skilful players in the second tier.

The former Barcelona starlet has previously played in the Premier League for Aston Villa and Boro.

The Verdict

Traore will return to the Premier League as a much more accomplished player after struggling beforehand.

He has always had the raw talent but this is finally being harnessed and he has added some end product to his blistering pace, impressive strength and jaw-dropping trickery.

Whether a move to Chelsea would be wise at this stage of his career remains to be seen and it depends on who their manager is and how much game time he gets but surely West Ham, Everton and Newcastle should be pushing hard for this £15m signing.

Boro fans - Can you keep Traore? Is £15m a fair price? Let us know below...