Sign up NOW for our daily Villa newsletter direct to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Adama Traore could be winging his way to Middlesbrough, but Aston Villa might still get a wideman of their own in return.

Villa continue to maintain a strong interest in Albert Adomah and much depends on the 28-year-old Ghana international's intentions in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

Is he available and how much would he cost?

Yes, he is available. Given his age and the fact he is in the last year of his contract, he won't cost a fortune.

Those in the north east suggest he would be £3 million tops but deadline day desperation can often inflate these prices, especially when clubs see Tony Xia's chequebook.

With Traore's move the other way progressing something could be built into that deal.

What's happened at Boro?

He made 47 league and cup appearances for Aitor Karanka's men last season so was a pivotal part of their Championship promotion success.

As a result of that he was among a clutch of players rewarded with new contract offers, alongside Adam Clayton, Adam Forshaw, George Freind and Ben Gibson.

Adomah turned it down, asking for significantly more than Boro were offering, although he has not completely ruled out extending his stay at the Riverside.

How is his relationship with Karanka?

There were rumours of a bust-up between the player and the manager last season with Adomah banished to train with the kids for a short while.

Karanka played down the falling out and, although he tends to bear grudges, seemed to have forgiven Adomah.

Indeed the winger started this season in the team, playing in the opening day Premier League draw with Stoke.

He was nowhere to be seen on Sunday, however, when Boro drew with Albion at The Hawthorns. Karank confirmed that he had been left out and was not injured.

Adomah was unlikely

Strengths and weaknesses

He scored eight goals for Boro last season and on his day he can pose a real attacking threat. Like many wingers, however, how often 'his day' arrives is very hit and miss. As is his delivery which varies from very accurate to...erm...not very accurate.

Karanka has wanted him to play more defensively - good luck getting to Adama Traore to track back - so that has blunted his offensive game a little.

Regular observers reckon he is not quite up to Premier League standard, but say he can still make a major impact on the Championship if he is fired up by the challenge.

Who else is in for him?

Boro's fellow Premier League new boys Burnley and Villa's Championship rivals Derby have been linked with Adomah, but Tony Xia has proved this summer that if Di Matteo really wants a player then the claret and blues can blow many of their rivals away financially.

Villa vacancy

In signing eight new players Di Matteo has almost assembled a brand new starting XI. Preferring a 4-2-3-1 formation, the most obvious 'vacancy' for a new recruit is the wide right midfield/attacking position.

Jordan Ayew, Andre Green and Leandro Bacuna have been used in that role in pre season and during the early stages of the campaign, but Villa would welcome an established specialist with experience of this level.