Spurs transfer news: Atletico Madrid prefer signing Rodriguez over Eriksen

Marca reports that Atletico Madrid prefer to sign James Rodriguez over Christian Eriksen.

The Danish star is out of a contract at Tottenham at the end of next season and seemed close to moving to the Wanda Metropolitano (h/t Marca).

Eriksen had spoken about taking up a new challenge after the Champions League final loss to Liverpool and had named Real Madrid as a possible destination (h/t Guardian).

However, Atletico now prefer the Real Madrid star and Rodriguez is the cheaper option among the two as he could cost €40million (h/t Marca).

The report adds that Zinedine Zidane wants Real to ensure that Rodriguez’s exit is swift, and does not want the same problems that have arisen regarding Gareth Bale’s transfer.

Eriksen’s price ranges between €60-€70m (h/t Marca) and the Dane is with the Tottenham side, participating in the pre-season training.

A boost for Tottenham?

Keeping hold of Eriksen would be a major boost as it would be difficult to find a quality replacement for the Dane.

However, Tottenham run the risk of losing him for free next season, unless both parties agree on a contract extension.

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The Dane is one of the best in England and is in the prime of his career. The 27-year-old recorded 12 assists and scored 8 goals in the Premier League last season.