Manchester United reportedly make initial contact with Christian Eriksen

It was learned ahead of the weekend that attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen is expected to leave Brentford when he becomes a free agent at the end of the month, and the 30-year-old has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur, his former Premier League club, and Manchester United. 

Sky Sports News reported on Monday that United have made "initial contact" with representatives for the midfield maestro. According to the story, new United manager Erik ten Hag "is a long-term admirer" of Eriksen, who tallied a goal and four assists across 11 appearances with Brentford following his remarkable return from the cardiac arrest he suffered at the UEFA European Championship in June 2021. 

"United have a strategy about how they are going about their business," reporter Dharmesh Sheth told Sky Sports News about the club's transfer policy for the summer. "Yes, there are significant funds available to Erik ten Hag - but now more than ever, the emphasis is on getting the right players at the right price.

"Under the guidance of [football director] John Murtough, United are using a more streamlined scouting operation with strengthened data analysis."

The story adds that Tottenham are "also interested" in bringing Eriksen back. He spent seven years with the North London club and previously played for current Tottenham boss Antonio Conte when both were with Serie A club Inter Milan. Back in January, Conte hinted he would like to once again work with Eriksen, and James Olley of ESPN reported on Friday the player is keen on featuring in the UEFA Champions League once more.  

Tottenham qualified for next season's Champions League competition, while United failed to finish in the top-four spots of the league table and missed out.