Antonio Conte has refused to be drawn on whether or not Tottenham wanted to re-sign Manchester United star Christian Eriksen this summer. Eriksen, 30, spent six and a half years with the north Londoners previously and, also, played for Conte during his time in Italy with Inter Milan.
United won the race for Eriksen on a free transfer after his short-term spell at Brentford last season. He has shone for Erik ten Hag as a part of a double pivot - alongside Scott McTominay or Casemiro - but he remains a doubt for the meeting with his former club at Old Trafford on Wednesday night (8.15pm).
Eriksen missed the Newcastle draw, at the same venue, due to illness and is touch and go to be back available for this midweek showdown as Premier League games continue to come thick and fast. But was the Tottenham coach keen for a reunion this summer?
READ MORE: United provide Eriksen update
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Conte said: "I don't want to speak about players of other teams.
"For sure, Christian is a player I enjoy to work with him. He's a player that I would like to train him again, to have in my squad, but you know very well, the transfer market is very difficult and he made a big choice, a big choice to go to United, to sign for a three year contract.
"For him, I wish the best for him and for his family. Apart from the game against us!
"Now it's not important to tell yes or no [were Tottenham interested], you understand. But for sure I think Christian was a player that every club tried to bring into the team."
Conte was also pressed on Ten Hag and the start he has made in the United dugout. He added: "I don't know him very well because we have never played against [his sides]. He did very well with Ajax and for sure he has taken a great job because United is one of the best teams in the world.
"He is trying to bring his ideas into the pitch and I think also the club backed him in the transfer market. Like other managers and coaches, he needs time to work and to try to improve his team."
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