French publication L’Equipe understands Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough are in discussions with Toulouse over the signing of striker Martin Braithwaite. The Danish international striker has been with the Ligue 1 club since 2013, and is now keen to leave this summer.
Get French Football News believes Braithwaite has a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with the club, which allows him to depart for any interested club he wishes to join. The Mirror claims that Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth are keen on a deal to take the 26-year-old to the Premier League.
Although Braithwaite is under contract at Stadium Municipal for a further two years, he is now seeking a new challenge. Although Middlesbrough obviously aren’t a top flight club anymore, he could be tempted by the ambition shown by new head coach Garry Monk and chairman Steve Gibson to get back at the first attempt. Brighton are in their first season in the league, whilst Bournemouth aren’t guaranteed to be a top flight club this time next year.
Middlesbrough are believed to be prepared to offer a ‘significant salary’ to try and lure the former Esbjerg man to the club. The Mirror says the player is rated at £12million by his club, so it would certainly be a real statement of intent from Boro if they were prepared to pay this amount. Last season, the energetic forward netted 12 goals, which included a brace in the 3-1 home win over eventful Ligue 1 champions Monaco back in October. Highlights of that game can be seen in the video below.
