West Ham are one of nine clubs to have made contact with Christian Eriksen's representatives over a free transfer this summer, football.london understands.
The Danish international has impressed since returning to the Premier League with Brentford this year, making several big contributions as the Bees stayed clear of the relegation zone and kept themselves in the top flight for a second season. Thomas Frank is understandably keen to keep his compatriot at the Brentford Community Stadium next season but there is plenty of competition for the Dane’s signature.
Both Spurs and Manchester United have been linked with a move for Eriksen, though a return to north London now seems less likely as Tottenham are downplaying any potential comeback for the midfielder. Elsewhere, football.london understands that West Ham, Everton, Newcastle, Leicester, Ajax and one unnamed La Liga side have all made contact with Eriksen’s representatives over a potential move.
READ MORE: West Ham announce £30m Nayef Aguerd transfer as David Moyes seals centre-back signing
David Moyes sent scouts to watch Eriksen and his international teammate Joakim Maehle in Denmark's 2-1 win over Austria in the Nations League earlier this month and has spoken of his admiration for the playmaker following his return to the top level after his cardiac arrest at EURO 2020.
"Yes, he was mentioned to us - and to a few clubs about coming back," said the West Ham boss. "Eriksen is a player a lot of people would look at and think, 'my goodness'. But I think everybody was more unsure then. And to be honest there’s the huge Danish connection at Brentford, with the manager and some of their players.
"They maybe had more insight on him than the rest of us - on his health and when he was going to come back. I don’t think he played for a couple of months after he first signed for Brentford. A lot of people wondered how it was going to work out."
The Hammers have been looking at bringing in a striker to support Michail Antonio though a creative midfield player would also be a welcome addition for Moyes with former loanee Jesse Lingard also considered. The club have already secured the signing of Nayef Aguerd at centre-back for a reported £30million and are hoping to bring goalkeeper Alphonse Areola back to the club on a permanent deal from PSG.
Elsewhere, Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko is under consideration to bring Moyes more depth at full-back while Emmanuel Dennis from Watford could also be an option for the Hammers. The club will face competition from Frank Lampard and Everton for both players however, with the Toffees eager to strengthen their squad to avoid another relegation fight next season.
