Christian Eriksen is waiting to see Manchester United’s transfer plans unfold, before committing himself to the Red Devils.
Erik ten Hag has earmarked the Denmark international as one of his top summer targets, as he looks to begin his Old Trafford overhaul. But it’s been a frustrating start for United, who have yet to get a single signing over the line.
Mirror Football understands that Eriksen has now received a formal offer from United bosses, following several rounds of positive talks. The 30-year-old, who suffered a cardiac arrest during his nation’s Euro 2020 opener last year, has proven he is still more than up to the demands of the Premier League.
Eriksen enjoyed an impressive cameo with Brentford in the second half of last season, having been granted a release from Inter Milan on health grounds. Prior to his move to West London, the cultured midfielder spent some time back at Ajax, training with Ten Hag’s title winning squad in Amsterdam.
And he clearly caught the eye, with an offer believed to be in the region of £150,000-per-week over two years now being considered. However, it is suggested that Eriksen is holding back on an instant agreement to see whether United are able to land some of their other prospective targets.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is Ten Hag’s top priority and there is hope that an agreement is edging closer with Barcelona after weeks of frustrating talks. Manchester Evening News report that a deal has been agreed in principle to sign the Dutchman, with the LaLiga giants accepting a bid in the region of £56m-plus add-ons.
Eriksen is said to be very keen on linking up with De Jong, having both learned their craft in the fabled Ajax academy system. Tyrell Malacia could follow his compatriot to United, after Lyon’s move for the Feyenoord defender was hijacked earlier this week.
It is understood that United will pay around £15m for the full-back and could yet arrive in Manchester before De Jong. Should both of those be completed, Eriksen could be persuaded to pick United over Brentford, who are desperate to re-sign him.
His concerns over perceived transfer inactivity mirror the man he could be lining up with next season, Cristiano Ronaldo. The 37-year-old ended his first season back at the club as their top scorer, but speculation regarding his future began to swirl at the end of last month.
Spanish news outlet AS claimed that like Eriksen, Ronaldo was worried about United’s approach in the transfer market, particularly with their rivals all strengthening. The Portuguese legend is keen to see his two-year contract out, but wants to challenge for major honours, something which looked well beyond the existing squad.
Bayern Munich were forced to deny rumours that they could sign Ronaldo, with Jorge Mendes reportedly assessing his client’s options. Mendes has also held talks with Chelsea ’s new owner Todd Boehly, where Ronaldo’s future was brought up.
United are adamant he will remain at the club however, with a source telling Mirror Football: “Cristiano is not for sale. We want - and fully expect - him to be with us next season.”
