Middlesbrough striker Martin Braithwaite has asked Tony Pulis permission to leave the ranks at the Riverside.

According to a tweet from sports journalist Leon Wobschall, the 27-year-old forward has handed in a transfer request ahead of the closure of the transfer window.

Brathwaite has found the net on three occasions in the opening five matches for Middlesbrough so far this season.

The versatile front man spent the latter stages of last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Bordeaux, where he scored four goals in 14 appearances, but has been a mainstay in Tony Pulis’ starting line up throughout the start of this campaign.

The Danish international, who has found the net just once in 24 appearances for his country, had been linked with moves away from the Riverside throughout the summer transfer window, but looked comfortable staying put at Middlesbrough after becoming the star forward in Pulis’ team.

The Verdict

Losing Martin Braithwaite could have a big impact on Middlesbrough’s season.

Whilst Pulis still has the likes of Assombalonga, Gestede and Fletcher at his disposal, the Danish striker is such a threat in front of goal at this level, it could hinder their season greatly.

With an unbeaten record so far this campaign, Boro have seen what the striker is capable of and certainly won’t want to lose him.