Christian Eriksen is ‘attracted’ by the prospect of lining up alongside Frenkie De Jong as Manchester United look to sign the midfield pair.
The Red Devils desperately need additions in the centre of the park ahead of Erik ten Hag's first season in charge. The likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata all departed at the end of their respective deals following the end of the 2021-22 season.
Barcelona star De Jong has long been United's No.1 target this summer, despite his initial reticence to leave Barcelona. Ten Hag is keen to be reunited with his compatriot having enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the playmaker at former club Ajax. So far, the Red Devils have struggled to find an agreement with the Catalan giants regarding a transfer but a breakthrough in talks has seen United inch towards completing a £68m deal for the Dutchman.
Eriksen is a name that has long been associated with United - even stretching back to his Tottenham days. Now a free agent following an impressive spell with Brentford, Ten Hag is aiming to add more creativity and control to his side and has challenged club chiefs to get a deal done for the free agent.
His hopes of that happening appear to have been given a considerable boost. According to The Times, the Danish midfielder, despite conflicting reports, is ‘attracted’ to the prospect of lining up alongside De Jong at Old Trafford next season.
It remains to be seen whether that will be enough to tempt him to pen a contract with the club amid competition for his services. Brentford are also, understandably, hoping to retain Eriksen and he's set to give an answer on his future soon.
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Despite that - and the fact that the club appear to be closing in on the signing of De Jong - the pair will not be present as the United squad make their initial returns for pre-season testing. Ten Hag has already confirmed that the first lot of players will return to Carrington today with as many as 15 first team players expected to be involved.
There will be a vast number of names left out though, with those who were in post-season international action afforded a grace period for extended rest and recuperation. In the meantime, there will also be no new signings in action with the Red Devils having not yet welcomed a new face to the club as of the time of writing.
Links remain with Ajax pair Lisandro Martinez and Antony and it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils will sign the pair this window. One new face that is already in action though is Ten Hag, the Dutchman having already arrived at the Red Devils’ training ground and will be keen to hit the ground running after a disastrous campaign at Old Trafford last term.
