The striker will need to play top-flight football to stand a chance of making the Euro 2024 squad

CHELSEA and Manchester United are both keen on signing former Barcelona star Martin Braithwaite.

The clubs both need to strengthen their forward lines and are battling it out to bring the Espanyol striker to the Premier League.

Chelsea and Manchester United are keen to sign Espanyol striker Martin BraithwaiteCredit: Rex

The January transfer window comes to an end on Thursday at 11pm.

And Braithwaite – who is also a successful businessman with a £216m empire – could end up being a last-minute signing.

The 32-year-old is the top scorer in the Spanish second division this season with 11 goals.

Espanyol sit fifth in the table and are in the fight for an immediate promotion back to La Liga.

However, an unusual detail in the striker’s contract means Chelsea and United would prefer to sign him this summer.

He currently has a £6million release clause in his contract, which expires next summer.

But should Espanyol get promoted, he will be able to leave for free.

If the club remains in the second tier the forward will be worth £500,000.

Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag needs to add firepower up front, with neither Marcus Rashford or Rasmus Hojlund reaching ten goals yet this season.

The Blues are still in a transition period, with Mauricio Pochettino’s misfiring side stumbling to a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Friday.

Braithwaite’s hopes of making Denmark’s Euro 2024 squad would be boosted if he can secure top-flight football.

The Dane was at Barcelona for two-and-a-half years, scoring ten goals in 58 games.

But he was released by the Catalan giants after he reportedly refused to have his contract mutually terminated, leading to claims he held Barca to “ransom”.