Ex-Middlesbrough man edges closer to shock move plus Sheffield Wednesday boss makes managerial admission

The Spanish club have been given permission to sign an emergency striker by La Liga following long-term injuries to Ousmane Dembele and Luis Suarez.

Several names have been linked with a move to Barca, who will be allowed to sign players currently playing in La Liga or free agents.

Reports emerged earlier this week that Leganes forward Braithwaite was a potential option, and it’s now been claimed the player’s agent is in Catalonia for talks.

According to La Liga pundit Guillem Balague, Barca are willing to pay Braithwaite’s buyout clause just seven months after he joined Leganes from Boro.

Garry Monk’s managerial admission

Former Boro and Leeds boss Garry Monk has admitted he’s experiencing one of the toughest moments of his managerial career.

Monk was appointed at Sheffield Wednesday back in September and initially looked set for a Championship promotion push with the Owls.

Pressure has built at Hillsborough though, and Wednesday have slipped to 12th in the table after winning just one of their last 10 games.

Following Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at home to Reading, Monk admitted: “This is right up there with my most difficult period.

“You can’t sulk or feel sorry for yourself. You get on with it. Ten games is too much. I understand the situation I’m in. I’ll fight and give everything I’ve got.

“It’s very difficult at this moment in time. It’s a big job – a lot needs to change to build for the future.

“You can see there is a lack of confidence. We’re in a cycle where results have not been good enough and we can’t seem to change it.”

Youngsters make it four wins in a row

Boro’s under-23 side claimed their fourth consecutive win after a 1-0 victory at Reading in Premier League 2, Division 2.

The hosts fielded an experienced side which included Garath McCleary, Sone Aluko and Danny Loader.

Graeme Lee’s team remain fifth in the table after Tyrone O’Neill headed home the only goal of the game.