Pochettino fears move for Eriksen

Mauricio Pochettino admits that Daniel Levy, the Tottenham Hotspur chairman, would face a difficult decision if the club were to receive a substantial bid for Christian Eriksen during the final days of the transfer window in Europe.

Pochettino, the Spurs manager, acknowledges the continuing uncertainty surrounding Eriksen’s future is unsettling for both player and club. The Denmark midfielder is in the final year of his contract and has indicated he wants to pursue his career elsewhere.

Yet while the Premier League transfer deadline passed without the 27-year-old moving on, the market elsewhere remains open until Sept 2 and the player could yet attract interest, with Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Juventus all monitoring Eriksen’s situation.

Pochettino, whose side face Newcastle United at home tomorrow, would like the Dane to remain part of his squad, but were the club to receive a significant offer for a player who could leave for free next summer, other pressures might come into play.

“Always I am open to help the club and to help the decision of Daniel [Levy],” the manager said. “I know that decisions like this are not easy but I always try to take the best benefit for the club. And, of course, for the player, too.”

Pochettino believes the different transfer deadlines has left Premier League clubs vulnerable to losing players to European rivals. Asked whether he was concerned at how the next few days might play out, he said: “Yes, of course it is a difficult situation for both sides.”

Eriksen has rejected the offer of a new contract but Pochettino insists the player remains focused. “Christian has a personality that he’s not affected by the rumours,” he said.