The technical director of Spanish side Leganes has admitted that he would like to bring Middlesbrough striker Martin Braithwaite back to the club, but admits that it will not be easy to do so.

Braithwaite spent the second half of last season on loan with Leganes from 'Boro, scoring five goals in 21 appearances in all competitions to help his temporary side to a 13th placed finish in the Spanish top flight.

During his time in Spain, Braithwaite had reportedly claimed there was no chance of a return to Middlesbrough under then manager Tony Pulis, although Pulis' successor Jonathan Woodgate has admitted to the Teesside Gazette that he would 'love' for the striker to stay at the Riverside Stadium.

That now appears to have affected Leganes' hopes of bringing the Danish international back to La Liga, and when discussing the possibility of bringing Braithwaite and Chelsea loanee Kenneth Omerou back to the club, Leganes technical director Txema Indias told a print edition of Marca: "We would like them to return, but it's not easy today, we must recognise it."

Since joining Middlesbrough from French side Toulouse in the summer of 2017, the Dane has scored nine goals in 40 appearances in all competitions for the club, while also spending time on loan back in France with Bordeaux.

There are two years remaining on Braithwaite's contract at the Riverside Stadium, meaning 'Boro should be in a strong position to negotiate any potential move for the striker.

The Verdict

It seems as though there is a growing chance that Braithwaite could still be a Middlesbrough player come the start of next season, and that would be a remarkable turnaround.

Given his comments about the club during his time on loan in Spain, it had seemed almost impossible that he would be back at the Riverside Stadium next season, but Jonathan Woodgate does deserve credit for keeping an open mind about the striker.

With two years left on his contract, 'Boro will know that right now they are in a strong position to negotiate any potential offer for him, and it would make sense for them to look to try and use him while he is still at the club.

'Boro are keen to bring in a striker in the summer transfer window, although you do wonder if bringing Braithwaite back into that setup could change that perspective, potentially freeing up funds to be spent on other areas of the squad.