Transfer insider Dean Jones has delivered a ‘big problem’ regarding Manchester United and the pursuit of Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen.
The lowdown: An ‘incredible’ comeback
Signed by Brentford on a short term deal following the mutual termination of his deal at Inter Milan – due to Serie A rules around wearing ICDs whilst playing – Eriksen’s future at the highest level had been brought into question.
However, the 30-year-old soon allayed any fears surrounding his fitness and ability to perform in the Premier League and was hailed for an ‘incredible’ return to action by Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte, racking up the most key passes per game of any Bees player.
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Now as the deal at Brentford heads into its final weeks, Manchester United are believed to be among the suitors.
The latest: London calling…
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones has suggested that Eriksen may prefer to stay in London this summer.
He said: “I mean, we always said that Man United would come onto the agenda. The big problem with United is it’s not in London and, from what I’m told, ideally, Eriksen wants to remain in London.
“So that’s why Brentford have still got half a chance. Brentford have definitely not given up on the situation. They feel after giving him his opportunity to get back into English football and stuff, he might decide to stay.”
The verdict: Worth the gamble
Albeit signing the 113-cap superstar could now prove to be expensive in terms of salary in order to coax Eriksen to the North West, without the expenditure of a transfer fee, this remains a deal well worth pursuing for fellow former Ajax man Erik ten Hag.
Eriksen scored once and provided four assists in 11 Premier League appearances last term, earning a sensational 7.54 Sofascore rating – higher than any United player – whilst making 40 accurate passes, 2.8 key passes and 5.5 successful long balls on average per game.
In behind the attacking firepower of Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, Eriksen would be a brilliant addition to the Red Devils’ ranks and those in power at Old Trafford should be pulling out all the stops to make this move happen, regardless of the Dane’s perceived capital preference.
In other news, Erik ten Hag could be key in luring this star to Old Trafford.