Former Barcelona player Adama Traore closes in on transfer to Middlesbrough

Adama Traore could complete his transfer from Aston Villa to Middlesbrough in the next few hours.

Talks between both teams are already at an advanced stage as the 20-year-old searches for a fresh new start after a testing period at Villa Park.

Traore joined Villa in August 2015 for 10 million euros plus two million in variables from Barcelona. He signed on a five-year contract with the Blaugrana reserving a first refusal right over the Catalan for the first three years of his stay in England.

Playing just 11 games and scoring one goal during the 2015/16 season, now appears to be the best time for Traore to move on from Villa who were relegated from the Premier League last season.

Traore has featured in one game this season with the Villains, coming off the bench during the 3-0 win over Rotherham United on August 13.