Real Madrid have a cunning plan designed to prise Christian Eriksen from Tottenham.
Radio broadcaster talkSPORT says that the Champions League holders have their heart set on the Danish midfielder, but are aware how highly he’s regarded by Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino.
That’s why the Spanish giants are ready to include James Rodriguez in a deal that they hope will persuade Tottenham to part with 26-year-old Eriksen.
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Gunners interest
Arsenal had been linked to Rodriguez, currently on loan at Bayern Munich, but those rumours have died out in recent days - and now Spanish media is reporting that “Los Blancos are willing to use him in their pursuit of the Dane”, according to talkSPORT.
By throwing in Rodriguez, Real hope they can knock down Tottenham’s asking price of £100m for Eriksen.
Dodgy ankle
But would Tottenham want to risk so much on the 27-year-old Colombian international, who has been troubled by ankle niggles and a knee ligament injury?
Bayern also have a £36m option to keep Rodriguez for good, but they are unlikely to do so given his inconsistently.
So Pochettino has to decide whether to take Real’s money - as well as a punt on Rodriguez - or try to convince Eriksen to sign a new deal.
Now or never talks with Rabiot
According to the Daily Express, Pochettino shunned the chance last night to watch Man City’s league cup semi-final clash with Burton Albion to instead hold “showdown transfer talks” with Paris Saint-Germain ace Adrien Rabiot.
Barcelona have been linked to the French international midfielder in recent weeks, but the Spurs boss still believes he can lure the playmaker to London.
Plenty of action
Citing Paris-based magazine France Football, the Express says that Pochettino has tabled an offer to Rabiot’s family - who manage his interests - and has promised the player will get regular game time if he moves to the Lane.
That might not be the case should he choose Barcelona, with the Catalan giants having signed Frenkie de Jong from Ajax to play alongside stars including Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Arthur Melo and Philippe Coutinho.
Zlatan: Kane should quit Spurs
Finally, the man who’s never short of an opinion or two has told Harry Kane to leave Spurs if he wants silverware.
Goal.com is reporting the comments by former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, which won’t go down well in the blue and white half of north London.
“I always say, playing in a big club, performing good is different from playing in... with all respect to Tottenham, a ‘normal’ club,” said Ibrahimovic, who is now with LA Galaxy.
“I think he [Kane] can make it. He just needs to make the move, and people will remember you for what you win. So if he wants to win, then yes, I think he needs to change.”
