Tottenham Hotspur 'encouraging Manchester United to make Christian Eriksen bid'

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly urging Manchester United to make a bid for Christian Eriksen.

Spurs are increasingly resigned to losing the 27-year-old and are desperate to receive a fee for the Dane, whose contract expires in 2020.

The Manchester Evening News claims that United do hold a firm interest in Eriksen, but are reluctant to have to deal with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.

Eriksen made 51 appearances for the Lilywhites last season on the way to featuring in the club's first ever Champions League final.

The Dane missed a penalty as Tottenham drew 1-1 with Inter Milan on Sunday.

It has been suggested that Real Madrid are keen for Manchester United to make a formal approach for Eriksen in order to cause more uncertainty around the future of Paul Pogba.