Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez is keen to freshen up his side’s attack following their relegation to the Championship, and has sounded out the possibility of signing Ross McCormack from Fulham.
However, with McCormack likely to command a fee of around £10m, Benitez is also looking at attacking alternatives, and Bamford is another proven Championship performer interesting him.
The 22-year-old won the Championship’s Player of the Year award two seasons ago, with his 17 goals playing a pivotal role in Boro’s run to the play-off final.
Having failed to make a breakthrough with Chelsea, he turned down the offer of a return to the Riverside last summer in an attempt to make an impact in the Premier League, but loan spells at both Crystal Palace and Norwich City proved unsuccessful.
Ideally, Chelsea would like to sell Bamford this summer, but their £9m price tag will put off most suitors and another loan deal is currently considered more likely.