Tottenham have been left with a major dilemma over Christian Eriksen after holding a fresh round of talks to resolve his future.
Unsettled Eriksen has reiterated that his refusal to sign a new deal is not about money but he is desperate to win major trophies.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy must now decide whether to cut his losses and sell this summer - or risk losing Eriksen for free when his contract expires in 12 months’ time.
Eriksen, 27, has already gone public in saying that he is ready for a new challenge and Spurs’ hopes of keeping him appear to be fading.
Levy has previously set sky-high demands on Eriksen of up to £150m but reports in Spain suggest Real Madrid believe they can get him for £65m because there is only one year left on his deal.
Eriksen’s representatives are due to meet Real Madrid to see if they will bid and that may depend on if they can do a deal for Manchester United ’s Paul Pogba.
United are also interested in Eriksen and the Danish playmaker does know that he could command a far bigger contract than what Spurs have been offering.
It is an unusual scenario for Tottenham because Levy never normally allows any player to run down a contract and especially not down to the final two years.
Levy once threatened to leave former striker Peter Crouch out of the first team squad when he refused to sign a new deal but it is hard to imagine the same happening with Eriksen.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is likely to want to keep on picking him if he does stay but Tottenham could also use the cash on rebuilding if they cash in this summer.
They have already agreed a £64m deal for Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele who is undergoing a medical at the club ahead of completing the deal.
But they could carry on spending if they bring in serious cash for Eriksen with Fulham left back Ryan Sessegnon set on moving to Tottenham this summer.
