Exclusive: Chelsea, Man Utd offered 11-goal ex-Barcelona striker with £5m release clause

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Chelsea and Manchester United have now been offered the chance to sign Espanyol striker Martin Braithwaite in a late-ditch winter transfer, HITC Football understands.

The 32-year-old is currently enjoying a very impressive season in the Segunda Division with 11 goals from 21 appearances. Braithwaite is the top scorer in Spain’s second-tier so far this term with 31% of Espanyol’s total goals. His goals have the Stage Front Stadium side in third.

But the striker could secure a last-ditch return to England with several Premier League clubs contacted. Sources now tell HITC Football that Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham, West Ham United, Manchester United and Wolves have been made aware of Braithwaite’s possible availability.

Braithwaite has Premier League interest as Chelsea and Manchester United are offered his transfer

An array of Premier League clubs who are currently looking at a potential new forward have been approached ahead of the transfer deadline. There is also interest in the veteran Dane, who played at Middlesbrough from 2017 to 2019 and FC Barcelona between 2020 and 2022.

The English top-flight clubs contacted have also been made aware that Braithwaite might be available for only £5m, thanks to a release clause in his contract with Espanyol. He agreed to sign a deal running to June 2025 after leaving Camp Nou as a free agent in September 2022.

Braithwaite is the Segunda Division’s top scorer so far this season

Sources have also confirmed to HITC Football that a clutch of the clubs offered Braithwaite’s transfer are now mulling a move to bring the ex-Boro man back to England. It could yield his debut in the Premier League, having only played in the Championship with Middlesbrough.

Braithwaite, who ex-Espanyol manager Luis Garcia called an ‘extraordinary professional’ last September, scored eight goals over his 36 Championship appearances at the Riverside. The 69-cap international would later score five goals in 44 La Liga matches whilst at Barcelona.