Christian Eriksen has become the third player in a matter of days to snub an approach from Manchester United, according to reports.
Erik ten Hag was hoping to get his first window in charge off to a quick start - inheriting a Red Devils squad coming off their worst ever Premier League season. And while there have been plenty of departures with Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata all leaving - the Dutchman is yet to land his first target.
The 52-year-old is set to take his first session as United boss later this month, when his players assemble for what promises to be a hectic pre-season. There was hope that Ten Hag’s main targets would have already signed on the dotted line in order to ensure a smooth transition.
But with less than two weeks before players return to Carrington, the new First Team Manager is facing yet more transfer frustration. The Athletic report that Eriksen is ready to return to Tottenham, despite receiving an offer from United in the past week.
Eriksen proved he was still more than up to the demands of Premier League football, shining for Brentford during the second half of last season. The Dane registered four assists in just 11 games for the Bees, less than a year on from suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch during Euro 2020.
He was subsequently fitted with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator which has enabled him to continue his career at the top of European football. Eriksen’s performances under Thomas Frank have also persuaded teams at the top of the league to make a move for the 30-year-old.
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Tottenham and Brentford quickly registered their interest, before United reciprocated., with Ten Hag getting a first-hand glimpse of Eriksen’s talents while he rebuilt his match fitness with Ajax last year.
However, a new report from the Athletic claims that United are out of the race to sign him, after making it clear that his desire is to stay in the capital. Frank held talks with his compatriot in midweek, but the midfielder is taking his time before making a final decision.
His blunt refusal of United’s offer will do little to temper Ten Hag’s frustrations, with moves for Jurrien Timber and Frenkie de Jong both in the balance. The Red Devils boss has targeted the former Ajax pair and was confident of sealing a reunion with both.
However, Timber looks set to stay in Amsterdam due to concerns over playing time in a World Cup year , whilst De Jong has offered little to suggest he would be keen on leaving Barcelona in the coming weeks.
"You are always flattered when teams show interest in you as a player," De Jong said whilst on international duty with Netherlands. "But I think I am at the biggest club in the world at the moment, I feel fine there, so no news."
Ten Hag is desperate to add midfield reinforcements and sees the position as his overwhelming top priority this window. Other reported targets have included the likes of Wolves star Ruben Neves and Youri Tielemans - who has just one year remaining on his current Leicester contract.
