Eriksen's desire to play for Real Madrid or Atletico cools Manchester United's interest Real Madrid English transfer window closes on Thursday

Manchester United have identified Christian Eriksen as their primary target should Paul Pogba depart for Real Madrid, but the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is eager to sign for either Los Blancos or Atletico Madrid, rather than the Red Devils.

With the Premier League's transfer window coming to an end on Thursday at 18:00 CEST, English clubs are in rush to close their signings as soon as possible.

The Red Devils had entered negotiations with the Spurs over Eriksen's potential transfer to Old Trafford, but the Denmark international is eyeing a move to one of the Madrid clubs, according to Sky Sports.

As MARCA has learned, Eriksen is Los Rojiblancos' alternative should a deal to sign James Rodriguez fall through, and Diego Simeone has already given the thumbs up to approach the player.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have also entered negotiations to lure Juventus forward Paulo Dybala and Barcelona attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho to north London.

Eriksen's contract comes to an end next summer and his potential move may trigger a domino effect of transfers across Europe as he has already made clear that he is eager to face a new challenge.

"I feel that I am at a stage in my career where I would like to try something new," Eriksen said back in June.

"It would not be a negative thing to stay as I have a lot of respect for what Tottenham are doing, but I would like to try something new.

"I hope something is decided this summer."