Barcelona have made a shock late enquiry for Christian Eriksen - but he still looks set to join Inter Milan.
Tottenham midfielder Eriksen, 27, had set his heart on a move to Spain last summer and was keen on a switch to Barcelona or Real Madrid but neither made a firm approach.
However, the Spanish giants have been watching developments and now Barcelona have made a late move but Inter remain confident of agreeing a deal with Spurs this month.
Barcelona would prefer to sign Eriksen on a pre-contract now and get him for free in the summer and it now remains to be seen whether they can get something done.
Eriksen is free to talk to foreign clubs as he is out of contract in the summer and Barcelona have been sounding out his representatives.
But Inter remain in pole position as they are willing to pay Eriksen £160,000-a-week on a four-and-a-half year contract plus big added bonuses.
Spurs are holding out for £18m and have been frustrated by Inter taking their time on a deal and their £11m offer plus add-ons has fallen well short but talks are ongoing.
However, it is understood that Eriksen has now made up his mind to move in January and that is why Inter remain super confident of getting it done.
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho launched a stinging rebuke on Inter and their boss Antonio Conte this month, accusing them of talking publicly which has unsettled Eriksen.
Mourinho was also frustrated that Inter were yet to make an acceptable offer and Spurs believe it is time for them to put up or shut up.
Tottenham do risk losing Eriksen for nothing in the summer but are determined not to be bullied into a sale and Inter’s tactics are unlikely to help the situation.
