Eriksen's Man Utd contract demands emerge with Ten Hag's plan now in place

Christian Eriksen's contract demands at Manchester United have emerged with Erik ten Hag very keen to bring in his top targets as soon as possible.

The Red Devils are desperate to sign players that fit the new manager's ethos and Eriksen fits the bill perfectly, though some have questioned whether a playmaker should be prioritised ahead of more urgent positions that need taken care of such as in defensive midfield and in defence.

Nevertheless, having a player of Eriksen's quality in the squad is no doubt a major boost after a short stint at Brentford last season proved that he can still prove decisive. The Bees penned the Denmark international to a six-month contract in January.

Being around Thomas Frank - a fellow Dane - and several of his international teammates was the perfect bedding-in for a player that has had undoubted trouble since last year when he collapsed on the pitch at Euro 2020. Brentford made it clear they did not want to lose him and were prepared to smash their wage structure to keep hold of him.

According to The Telegraph, Eriksen was demanding £200,000-a-week, as well as a signing-on bonus worth £10million. That would have comfortably made him the top earner at the west London club before United stole in.

It is not clear whether the Red Devils agreed to these demands but the former Tottenham star has penned a three-year contract with them. With no club to thrash out a fee with, an announcement could come soon and open up the doorway to more arrivals.

Ten Hag, who knows Eriksen well having invited him to Ajax to train last season as he looked for a new club, has several options being pursued in the transfer window. That includes Tyrell Malacia, who could move to Old Trafford in a deal worth £13m.

But he is not the only one with Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong also in United's sights. Despite the midfielder being initially reluctant to make the leap to the Premier League, the Red Devils and Barca have agreed on a price and are simply thrashing out a payment structure.

Personal terms are yet to be discussed with the Netherlands international, who has no intention of dropping his wage demands. It could see the 24-year-old paid in excess of £300,000 a week, though the exits of some top earners at Old Trafford including Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard has freed up some space in the wage system.

As well as United and Brentford, other Premier League clubs Chelsea and Tottenham were also interested in signing Eriksen. However, neither club pursued with an official offer - paving a way for Ten Hag to reunite with the 30-year-old Dane.