9 months ago
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Manchester United and Chelsea are in talks with Espanyol over a possible deal for Martin Braithwaite, according to reports in Spain.
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Both United and Chelsea have been looking to recruit a new striker before the January transfer window closes at 11pm on Thursday evening but have been unsuccessful in securing a short-term solution.
The two Premier League clubs have already rejected the opportunity to sign Karim Benzema, who is pushing to leave Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad this month.
But according to Madrid-based newspaper Marca, both United and Chelsea are interested in the prospect of signing Braithwaite before the end of the window.
The report claims that the Premier league duo are in negotiations with Espanyol to pay significantly less than the Denmark international’s €7 million (£5.9m) buyout clause.
It’s understood that Braithwaite would be allowed to leave Espanyol on a free transfer in the summer if the club secure promotion back to La Liga. Meanwhile, if they stay in the Segunda Division, his release clause will drop to €600,000 (£511,000).
Having failed to make an impact at Barcelona following his €18m (£15m) emergency transfer to Camp Nou in February 2020, Braithwaite was released on a free transfer just 19 months later.
He then joined Espanyol in September 2022 and scored 10 goals in 31 league games, but it wasn’t enough to stop the club from being relegated from La Liga.
The 32-year-old is currently thriving in the Segunda Division, scoring 12 goals in 22 league appearances so far this season.
Braithwaite has also scored 10 goals in 69 appearances for Denmark and is pushing for a place in their squad for Euro 2024 next summer.
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