Barcelona to sign Martin Braithwaite

Barcelona are putting the finishing touches on a deal to sign Martin Braithwaite from Leganes, according to Sport.

There were apparently two names in the final round of the elimination process – Braithwaite and Angel Rodriguez of Getafe. The two forwards divided opinion inside the club, mostly based on the costs of each potential transfer, but also the resale value of each player.

The objective of Barcelona is to complete the business today (Tuesday) and if possible, to have the newcomer in training later in the day, or at least on Wednesday. And it seems head coach Quique Setien has made his choice – Braithwaite.

It is believed that the advantage of the Denmark international over Angel Rodriguez is in his versatility, his ability to play anywhere across the attacking line which is what Setien is after, while Angel is seen more of a designated striker, a classic centre-forward.

Meanwhile, Leganes are reluctant to let Braithwaite go and refuse to negotiate, which means Barcelona will have to pay the release clause in his contract to get the deal over the line.