Real Madrid reportedly believe that Christian Eriksen's future is key as they look to snap up Paul Pogba from Manchester United.

The Los Blancos hierarchy feel that, if United can land the Dane from Tottenham Hotspur before the English transfer window shuts, they will be more open to the idea of selling club-record signing Pogba.

Eriksen has been heavily linked with a departure from Spurs this window after he suggested that he wanted a new challenge, with the Bernabeu and Old Trafford mooted destinations, and Mauricio Pochettino's side have been heavily linked with two possible replacements in Real Betis' Giovani Lo Celso and Juventus' Paulo Dybala.

The arrival of either player could enable Eriksen to join United and, in doing so, pave the way for Los Blancos to get their first-choice target in Pogba, according to the Daily Mail.

The World Cup-winning Frenchman has come under fire from Red Devils supporters for a perceived lack of effort in his performances for the club, and has suggested himself that a second departure from Old Trafford may be best for all parties.

Madrid have already spent heavily in the transfer market, bringing in Eden Hazard, Rodrygo, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Luka Jovic for sizeable transfer fees, but the capture of France international midfielder Pogba would likely be the most expensive purchase of the lot.