Earlier today there were multiple reports across the Spanish media that Martin Braithwaite has terminated his contract with Espanyol and is therefore a free agent.
The forward had a year left on his deal but was able to rescind that by paying a €600k pre-agreed fee. Monday was the deadline for that to happen and the player has used the clause, which in Spain is seen as something of a surprise.
Espanyol have been promoted, and the club even released images of Braithwaite going through his pre-season medical in recent days. Now, Denmark’s Tipsbladet bring interest from Everton, Southampton and Leicester City back into the equation.
It’s claimed all three Premier league sides have been keen on the former Barcelona player, and now they can secure him as a free agent. That said, it’s got to be likely Braithwaite would want any of Everton, Southampton or Leicester City to somehow reimburse that €600k he’s paid to Espanyol today.
This one could move quickly, with it unlikely he’d have paid that clause if a move wasn’t quite firmly lined up.