Leganes have 'heard nothing from Barcelona about potential Braithwaite transfer'

Martin Braithwaite has emerged as a possible target for Barcelona after the club were granted permission to sign a forward to replace the injured Ousmane Dembele on Monday. 

The news has set off alarm bells at relegation-threatened Leganes, with sources at the Madrid-based clubs telling SPORT they have heard nothing from Barça yet. 

Braithwaite, 28, is the star of Leganes' attack and will be key to their potential survival. They're, therefore, nervous at the prospect of having him taken from them this month and feel it would define their season. 

The striker has a 20 million release clause and the club would not be willing to negotiate after losing their other frontman, Youssef En-Nesyri, to Sevilla in January. 

Leganes signed first signed Braithwaite on loan from Middlesbrough last January before making the deal permanent in the summer of 2019 after his performances and goals helped keep them in the top flight. 

They now fear that, without warning, Barça could strip them of their best player. The relationship between both clubs is good and they hope nothing happens.