Two ex-Middlesbrough forwards linked with shock Barcelona move following Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele injuries

Former Middlesbrough forward Martin Braithwaite has scored six league goals for Leganes this season.

Barca are looking to replace injured striker Ousmane Dembele who was ruled out for up to six months with a hamstring tear, while Luis Suarez will also be sidelined for at least three months with a knee issue.

As a result, Barcelona were looking for permission to sign another striker and, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the club sent the relevant documentation to La Liga's medical committee last Thursday.

It’s now been claimed the Catalan club were given the green light to make a new signing on Monday and have 15 days to complete a deal.

Barca can only sign players who are currently playing in La Liga or who are free agents.

Any new signing would only be allowed to play league games and wouldn’t be able to feature in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Several names have been linked with Barca in the last few weeks, including former Boro frontman Cristhian Stuani.

The Uruguayan forward, 33, has scored 22 goals in 24 league appearances for Girona in La Liga 2 this season and would also be allowed to move to the Nou Camp.

Braithwaite’s name has also been mentioned following his transfer from Boro to Leganes in the summer.

The Danish international has netted six goals in 24 La Liga appearances this campaign.