Manchester United are interested in signing out-of-contract Brentford midfielder Christian Eriksen in this summer's transfer window.
The Denmark international, who suffered a cardiac arrest at last summer's European Championship, is set to become a free agent when his Brentford contract expires on June 30. The Bees haven't given up hope of keeping him ahead of next season but interest in his signature from elsewhere is continuing to mount.
United, along with Tottenham Hotspur, are the leading contenders vying for the 30-year-old's signature following an impressive ending to the 2021/22 campaign, although Spurs are understood not to have followed up their interest in the Dane recently. He scored one goal and grabbed four assists in 11 appearances to help Brentford secure their Premier League status for this forthcoming season.
READ MORE: Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag targeting five new signings in transfer window
United manager Erik ten Hag is desperate to add to his squad over the coming weeks, with strengthening midfield one of his leading priorities. The Reds are continuing to work on a deal to try and bring Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford.
Should Ten Hag manage to add Eriksen to his squad this summer, he, like every other new arrival, will need to be assigned a shirt number. With six first-team players having already been offloaded ahead of their contracts expiring at the end of this month, we've highlighted some of the key jerseys which are already up for grabs for any new additions.
No.6
Worn by Paul Pogba ever since his return to United in August 2016, the iconic shirt number has become vacant as a result of the Frenchman's exit. It has been worn by plenty of big-name stars in the past, including Jaap Stam, Steve Bruce, Rio Ferdinand the late Duncan Edwards.
No.8
Sported by Juan Mata since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2014, the Spaniard's exit means that it is available for a new signing to snap up. Considered as one of the most iconic shirt numbers in football, the No.8 shirt has been worn by a long list of United greats in years gone by, such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.
No.12
The No.12 shirt has been up for grabs at Old Trafford since Chris Smalling left the club to join Roma back in 2020. He sported the number for ten years, following his arrival from Fulham in 2010.
It has a decorated history at United, being worn by the likes of Phil Neville, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Bryan Robson in the past. It could be considered a privilege for any new arrival to wear it next season.
No.13
Vacated by goalkeeper Lee Grant, the No.13 shirt is up for grabs for the first time since 2018 for a potential new recruit. Prior to Grant adopting it four years ago, it was donned by Anders Lindegaard. Ji-sung Park figure is among the most famous to have ever worn it.
No.14
Sported by Jesse Lingard since the beginning of the 2016/17 campaign, the No.14 shirt is up for grabs this summer. Several famous faces have donned the number over the years, including David Beckham, Javier Hernandez and Giggs.
No.21
After giving up the No.7 shirt for Cristiano Ronaldo last year, Edinson Cavani switched to No.21 following the Portugal captain's return to M16. Cavani picked up the No.21 baton from Daniel James, who sealed a move to Leeds United on deadline day last summer.
Prior to James sporting the No.21 shirt, it was donned by the likes of Ander Herrera, Diego Forlan and Brazilian Rafael.
No.24
The No.24 shirt will also be available this summer, with it only ever having six occupiers throughout United's rich and colourful history. However, it is a number that has been worn by some famous faces down the years, including Wes Brown, Darren Fletcher, Scholes and Beckham.
No.31
Finally, the No.31 shirt will also be free for any new recruits following Nemanja Matic's departure. The Serbian, who has joined Roma, wore the shirt since joining United in August 2017 and it has been occupied by several big-name players in the past, including Bastian Schweinsteiger and Marouane Fellaini.
*Other shirt numbers above 31 are available.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
READ NEXT:
- Manchester United fans did something last season that could seal Christian Eriksen transfer
- Manchester United handed Christian Eriksen transfer boost as Tottenham stance confirmed
- Manchester United already have a player who could be like a new signing next season
- Three ways Manchester United could line up in pre-season without any new signings
- Why Manchester United have not signed anyone in the transfer window yet
