Real Madrid have made contact with representatives of Tottenham Hotspur star Christian Eriksen ahead of a £100million summer swoop, according to the Independent.
The newspaper claim that Barcelona have now withdrawn their long-standing interest in the Denmark international, leaving a clear path for rivals Real to make their move.
The Independent report that Madrid have started third-party talks in a bid to capture the 26-year-old in a £100million summer deal as he stalls on a new contract at Spurs despite the club being willing to offer him more than £200,000-a-week.
It is said that Eriksen harbours ambitions to play in Spain during his prime, although the playmaker will stay at Spurs if a move to either Barcelona or Real does not materialise.
Good move for Spurs?
Absolutely not.
Eriksen is one of their most influential players, with there actually being an argument that he is more important to their fortunes than star striker Harry Kane.
Losing the Denmark international for any price would be a bad move for Spurs, who would be losing a player that has been key for them for so many years.
Obviously £100million would go some way to addressing financial concerns relating to their new stadium, but retaining Eriksen is more important in the short-term.
This is Futbol rating: 1/10
Likely to happen?
Eriksen’s refusal to sign a new deal does open the door to such a move taking place, but there is still a good chance that he will end up staying at Spurs.
Daniel Levy likely holds the key to his future, with the chairman known to be a tough negotiator, a fact that Madrid will be well aware of.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10