BARCELONA have been given the go-ahead by La Liga to sign an emergency forward outside of the transfer window.
The Spanish giants have just 15 days to replace Ousmane Dembele after he was ruled out for six months with a hamstring tear.
Ousmane Dembele will spend a lengthy stint on the sidelines after undergoing surgeryCredit: AFP or licensors
Mundo Deportivo claim that Barcelona filed their request to La Liga’s medical committee last Thursday.
Permission was granted on Monday morning after it was confirmed that Dembele’s injury is a long-term lay-off.
The La Liga rule book states that clubs can apply to sign one player from another La Liga side or any free agents in Spain if a player is out for more than five months.
Quique Setien’s side have just over two weeks to find a player that can fill the void left by Dembele.
Barcelona are also without Luis Suarez – who underwent surgery last month to fix a long-standing knee problem.
Former Middlesbrough forward Martin Braithwaite has emerged as a top target for the La Liga side.
The source claims that the 28-year-old is the most likely candidate to join Setien’s side “on loan or transfer”.
Denmark international Martin Braithwaite has been linked to BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Braithwaite was sent on loan to Leganes in January 2019 by Boro before he made the move permanent in the summer.
He has scored eight goals and made one assist in 27 appearances for the struggling La Liga side.
Former Arsenal flop Lucas Perez, 31, and Getafe striker Angel Rodriguez, 32, are also said to be in the running.
Barcelona will be able to replace crocked Ousmane Dembele this monthCredit: Getty – Contributor
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
