Man Utd could lose midfielder in summer amid Champions League 'interest' and Premier League manager admission

Manchester United could see Christian Eriksen leave in the summer amid interest from Turkish outfit Galatasaray - while Brentford manager Thomas Frank has also said he'd welcome the midfielder back.

Eriksen's future at United is looking increasingly uncertain, with the Danish international out on the fringes of Erik ten Hag's plans. Premier League starts have been limited to just nine and the return to fitness of other options in recent weeks will likely see minutes dwindle further.

United are aiming to lower the age profile of the squad this summer and so moving older players on will benefit their cause. Eriksen will be into the final 12 months of his contract at that point and ESPN reports that Galatasaray will look to take him on board.

Galatasaray, who pipped United to third spot in this season's Champions League group stages and earned a spot in the Europa League as a result, were thought to be interested in Eriksen ahead of Friday's Turkish deadline. However they have decided to hold off and revisit once the 2023-24 campaign has finished.

Eriksen joined United on a free transfer in 2022, following his exit from Brentford. The midfielder returned to the Premier League after having his contract terminated by Inter Milan, following the implementation of an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) - which is prohibited in Serie A.

“He will always be welcome back, Christian – always," Frank told Danish outlet Tipsbladet. "I think he knows that. And we know that he had a good time here. I understood well why he went to United back then, and I’ve said that publicly. I also think he’s done well. Of course, he had an injury before Christmas for a while. But if Christian wants, he’s very welcome."

Eriksen is one of many ageing United players who could be moved on this summer as Ten Hag attempts to rebuild his squad under Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The INEOS chief will take charge of footballing operations once his investment is fully ratified and both he and the manager aim to lower the age profile of the playing squad.

Defensive duo Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans - 30 and 36 respectively - both look set to leave as free agents once their contracts expire in the summer, while Anthony Martial is also on course to depart for nothing. There is continued interest in the 31-year-old Casemiro from Saudi Arabia, who will bring in a fee, given he will still have two years left on his contract.