Barcelona have reportedly offered Leeds United the chance to sign striker Martin Braithwaite in a deal that would take Raphinha to the Nou Camp.

The Lowdown: Braithwaite profiled

Braithwaite, formerly of Middlesbrough, where Tony Pulis described him as 'exceptional’, has been with Barcelona since 2020.

The Denmark international joined from Leganes and reportedly has a frankly ridiculous £251m release clause in his contract.

The 30-year-old has scored ten times in 58 appearances for the Catalan giants but has missed the majority of the current campaign with a knee injury.

The Latest: Talks held

Mundo Deportivo shared an update regarding Raphinha and Barcelona on Saturday morning.

They revealed that conversations have been held between the two clubs, where Barcelona have offered Braithwaite in a deal for the Leeds winger as they look to bring down the cost. Defenders Oscar Mingueza, Sergino Dest and Clement Lenglet were also name-checked in a potential transfer.

The Verdict: Avoid?

Although Leeds could do with adding to their attacking ranks following Patrick Bamford’s injury issues this season, Braithwaite doesn’t appear to be the answer.

He has also had his injury issues of his own this season and is on a whopping £98,000-a-week – only Rodrigo earns more at Elland Road.

The Barcelona man may well be past his prime and he’ll be 31 in the summer, so it could make sense for Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch to go after a younger attacking target, one with more durability and less wage demands.

In other news: Leeds may now lose another star alongside Raphinha and Phillips; he stunned a club employee.