Manchester United make late move for Christian Eriksen

According to multiple reports, Manchester United are making a late move to sign Christian Eriksen from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur. United have been loosely linked with Eriksen off and on in recent years, but these latest stories are the strongest sign of real interest to date. Right after the end of last season, Eriksen confirmed what had long been suspected — that he was ready to leave Spurs for a new challenge. Eriksen’s contract has only one year left to run, and with no indication that he was open to an extension, a transfer was widely expected in this window.

Unfortunately for the 27-year-old Dane, the reported interest from Real Madrid never materialized, and with only a few days left in the Premier League transfer window, he is still a Spurs player. Madrid have made Paul Pogba their top target this summer, but United have so far refused to entertain their interest, and have briefed to the media their own doubts that Madrid could even afford the deal.

The paths of the three aforementioned clubs could cross in other ways if this transfer rumor turns out to have substance. United have long been linked with Sporting midfielder Bruno Fernandes, but according to the most recent reports, it is Spurs who have made the only bid so far. If United’s move for Eriksen is insurance against a late blockbuster bid from Madrid for Pogba (the European transfer window closes on September 2nd), then it could start a merry-go-round. It’s all a bit dizzying.

On the other hand, perhaps United have seen the value in having more than one creative senior midfielder who can actually pick a pass. Imagine that!

Daniel Levy slapped a £130m price tag on Eriksen last summer, but with an expiring contract, not even Levy could extract a price close to that now. A deal for around half that price seems more likely, because Spurs would be loathe to lose their prized asset for nothing in a year’s time.