Jonathan Woodgate quizzed on Martin Braithwaite's Middlesbrough absence at Salford

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Middlesbrough head coach Jonathan Woodgate says Martin Braithwaite still hasn’t recovered from a sickness bug amid rumours linking the forward with a move to Spain.

The Danish international missed the second pre-season game running when Boro travelled to Salford on Tuesday night, with the Teessiders running out 3-1 winners at the Peninsula Stadium.

Reports from Spain have claimed Leganes are preparing a bid of around £6million for the forward, yet Woodgate says nothing is official yet.

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When asked about Boro’s injury situation, Woodgate said: “Rudy (Gestede) has slight hamstring injury, Martin hasn't fully recovered from his bout of diarrhoea and sickness, which can't be helped. Nothing is official yet and I just know he hasn't been well enough to play.”

Martin Braithwaite played 45 minutes at Hartlepool earlier in pre-season.Martin Braithwaite played 45 minutes at Hartlepool earlier in pre-season.
Martin Braithwaite played 45 minutes at Hartlepool earlier in pre-season.

Braithwaite has played just once for Boro in pre-season, 45 minutes at Hartlepool, following his return from a loan spell at Leganes last term.

When asked about the transfer reports on Braithwaite, Woodgate added: “Martin is getting linked with every Tom, Dick and Harry. Martin is a good player and he would be a success at this football club.

“I haven’t heard a thing, all I know is he didn’t play today because he hasn’t got over his sickness and diarrhea, so … that’s how it is.

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Woodgate was also quizzed whether selling Braithwaite would free up funds to make new signings this summer, to which he replied: “I will cross that bridge when we get to it. I know what targets I want, Neil (Bausor) and Adrian (Bevington) know. I have left it with them. They are doing the rest.”