Chelsea and Man Utd eyeing deal for former Barcelona striker

Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for former Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite.

The 31-year-old is currently playing in the Spanish second tier with Espanyol where he has found the net on 12 occasions.

His current deal with the La Liga 2 outfit expires in June next year, but there is a release clause worth €7m which is active.

Marca claim that Chelsea and United are looking at the opportunity of signing him for less than the reported buy-out figure.

Braithwaite stayed committed to Espanyol earlier in the summer, but he will request an exit if one of them make a move.

United are currently without Anthony Martial for 10 weeks after a groin surgery and Braithwaite could fill the void left.

The Blues, on the other hand, may see him as a stopgap signing, suppose they part ways with Armando Broja this winter.

The club have opened the door to offload Broja on loan with an obligation to buy. A number of teams are said to be keen.