Jose Mourinho has dropped the biggest hint so far that Christian Eriksen will indeed leave Tottenham in the New Year, as he rapidly approaches the end of his contract.
The Denmark international is free to negotiate a pre-contractual agreement with clubs outside of England in the New Year, ahead of the expiration of his deal at the end of the season.
Spurs could also choose to cash-in during next month's transfer window in order to receive a fee for the services of the creative midfielder, with Inter Milan and Juventus heavily linked with a swoop.
While supporters await the final outcome of a transfer saga that has stretched on for months, Mourinho has dropped a big hint that the 27-year-old is indeed set to leave.
“I know, I know, or at least I think I know because Christian has always been very clear with me. I will not be the one to say though," he said after the 2-1 win against Brighton on Boxing Day.
The former Ajax ace came off the bench for the victory against the Seagulls, playing 21 minutes as Spurs came from behind to secure all three points following goals from Harry Kane and Dele Alli.
Speaking after the game, Mourinho defended his side's first half performance.
“First half I wouldn’t say is bad," he said.
"I wouldn’t separate the first half and the previous defeat. You need to start well and we didn’t. VAR disallowed the goal and then we were 1-0 so the boys felt it.
"We spoke about tactical details and the second half was really, really good. Even if we didn’t win the game I’d have had the feeling that the boys gave everything.”
