The Republic of Ireland will know they have to keep Denmark star Christian Eriksen quiet in Friday's Euro 2020 qualifier in Copenhagen. The play maker may not only have Mick McCarthy's men on his mind after hinting his time at Tottenham Hotspur may have come to an end.
Eriksen told Danish tabloid Ekstra Bladet that it may be time to try something new, with his heart potentially set on Spanish giants Real Madrid. He has one year left on his current deal. Tottenham have to weigh up whether to offer improved terms for the creative star or to cash in for over €100 million this summer rather than losing the player on a free.
Eriksen said:
"I have the wildest and deepest respect for everything that has happened in Tottenham, nor will it be negative. But I have also said that I would like to try something new. I hope there will be a clarification during the summer. That's the plan. In football you do not know when a clarification comes. It can happen anytime. Everyone wants it best if it happens as soon as possible, but in football takes things time. It depends on Daniel Levy. And another club has to come. Or I have to sit down at the table and negotiate a new contract. You can't set a date yourself. There are not many points that Tottenham cannot meet. It's a step up, but it requires Real Madrid to call Tottenham and say they want Christian. And they have not done so yet, as far as I know. If I have to go, then hopefully it will be a step up."
27 year old Eriksen signed for Spurs almost six years ago from Ajax for £11.5 million. He has been a key part of the club's growth into Premier League contenders and Champions League finalists.
Real Madrid have been busy in the transfer market. They have snapped up Luka Jovic and Eden Hazard is set to join Zinedine Zidane's team.
Tottenham could move for Giovanni Lo Celso, the Argentina midfielder, as a replacement. The 23 year old has attracted interest from Europe's leading clubs following his performances for Real Betis in Spain.