According to reports in Spain, Manchester United and Chelsea are in negotiations with Espanyol about a potential deal for Martin Braithwaite.
Despite their best efforts, neither United nor Chelsea have been able to find a temporary replacement for the injured striker before the January transfer window closes at 11 p.m. on Thursday.
According to Metro, Karim Benzema is reportedly determined to leave Saudi Pro League team Al-Ittihad this month, and the two Premier League clubs have already turned down the chance to sign him.
However, the Madrid-based publication Marca claims that Chelsea and United are both considering signing Braithwaite before the transfer window closes.
According to the report, the Premier League pair are negotiating with Espanyol to pay a sum that is much less than the Denmark international’s buyout clause, which is €7 million (£5.9 million).
It is believed that if Espanyol is promoted back to La Liga in the summer, Braithwaite will be free to leave the team. In the meantime, his release clause will decrease to €600,000 (£511,000) if they remain in the Segunda Division.
After an emergency €18 million (£15 million) transfer to Camp Nou in February 2020, Braithwaite failed to make an impression at Barcelona and was released on a free transfer just 19 months later.
After that, in September 2022, he signed with Espanyol. In 31 league games, he scored 10 goals, but it wasn’t enough to keep the team from being demoted from La Liga.
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In his 22 league games this season, the 32-year-old has scored 12 goals, demonstrating his current dominance in the Segunda Division.
Braithwaite is vying for a spot in Denmark’s squad for Euro 2024, which takes place next summer. He has also scored 10 goals in 69 appearances for Denmark.
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