90min

West Ham & Leeds United Eyeing Up January Move for Martin Braithwaite

By Daniel Feliciano

Martin Braithwaite is a target for Premier League clubs this January
Martin Braithwaite is a target for Premier League clubs this January / Soccrates Images/Getty Images
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West Ham and Leeds are eyeing up a potential £11.6m move for Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite in January.

Braithwaite signed for Barcelona in a shock £15m deal in February following the club receiving special dispensation to sign him after Ousmane Dembele picked up a long-term injury.

Since the signing though, as expected, it hasn't really worked out for the Denmark international. He has made just 16 appearances since joining the club, scoring just the one goal.

Braithwaite has scored once for Barcelona in 16 appearances
Braithwaite has scored once for Barcelona in 16 appearances / Eric Alonso/MB Media/Getty Images

With Ronald Koeman coming in as manager in the summer Braithwaite's chances of breaking into the side have become even slimmer, with the Dutch coach opting to use youngsters Ansu Fati, Trincao and Pedri ahead of him.

This has alerted sides to his availability, with West Ham and Leeds taking a particularly close look according to HITC, via Sport.

Reports suggest that both Premier League clubs are keen to add some firepower to their side in January as they look to steer clear of a relegation battle. While West Bromwich Albion are also said to be showing an interest, it's claimed that David Moyes and Marcelo Bielsa's sides have already made enquiries.

Braithwaite wants to be in the Denmark squad for Euro 2020 next summer
Braithwaite wants to be in the Denmark squad for Euro 2020 next summer / DeFodi Images/Getty Images

With Euro 2020 due to take place next summer Braithwaite is desperate to secure his place in the Denmark squad, but needs regular game time to be able to stake a claim.

West Ham currently have Sebastian Haller and Michail Antonio as their striker options, but Haller has struggled since his club record move from Eintracht Frankfurt. Leeds have opted to use Patrick Bamford as their main striker this season and he has performed well, scoring seven goals so far.

Despite his good form, Leeds will be wary of him getting an injury or going through a bad spell of form and will want someone to be able to call upon that they feel they can rely on, with summer signing Rodrigo yet to hit the heights.

Braithwaite has essentially been surplus to requirements since lockdown, with the game's hiatus meaning Luis Suarez was fit by the time football returned. He was linked with the Hammers back in March although a move never materialised.