CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN is one of 11 players Inter Milan could sell – just six months after his £20million switch from Tottenham.
That’s according to Sport Meidaset, with the Denmark playmaker rated at £55m despite his erratic season.
Christian Eriksen joined Inter in January after refusing a new Spurs contract but has struggled in ItalyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Manchester United target and Slovak centre-back Milan Skriniar is also on the list of possible departures as Inter boss Antonio Conte ponders a huge summer overhaul after slipping out of the title race.
But Eriksen’s plight is the most dramatic.
United and Real Madrid were both strongly linked with the 27-year-old in the January transfer window as he refused Spurs’ pleas to extend his contract beyond this summer.
Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was reportedly willing to pay £40m for him.
Expectations are high in Italy. The bigger the name you are, the more people expect.
Inter boss Antonio Conte
But Solskjaer must be delighted he instead spent £68m on Porto’s Bruno Fernandes, who has become an instant Premier League sensation.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid reportedly had a verbal agreement to sign Eriksen, before Zinedine Zidane pulled out of the deal.
And Conte warned Eriksen he was under more pressure than in England after benching him for Monday’s 3-1 home win over Torino, which put Inter third, albeit still eight points off leaders Juventus.
Conte said: “He has to hold down certain levels, but balance is needed.
“He’s improving and he’s aware that he joined an ambitious club that is asking a lot of him.
“Expectations are high in Italy. The bigger the name you are, the more people expect from you.
“He’s committed and doing well, but I have to make decisions for the good of Inter.”
And another bad omen for Eriksen is speculation Inter are ready to hand one-cap Spain midfielder Boria Valero a new contract at the age of 35.
And there is even talk Conte is interested in Barcelona’s Chile ace Arturo Vidal, 33.
In total, former Ajax stylist Eriksen has notched one goal and two assists from his five starts and six substitute appearances in Serie A.
His cup record is better but against far more modest opposition.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk