Redknapp urges Pochettino to wield the axe on wantaway star Eriksen

Harry Redknapp has called on Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino to drop Christian Eriksen, given that the midfielder has previously expressed his desire to find a new challenge.

Denmark international Eriksen was the subject of speculation about a move to Real Madrid in the summer, while he also confirmed that he could look to find pastures new in the near future.

The midfielder’s contract runs out next summer and previous reports have linked him with a move away from North London in January.

Speaking to The Sun, former Tottenham boss Redknapp said that he doesn’t expect Eriksen to sign a new deal while he also called on Pochettino to drop him if he is not fully focused on his form.

“I don’t see him signing a new contract now. I think he will let it run out and take that option of being a free agent next summer,” the 72-year-old said.

“So if he doesn’t want to stay and has made up his mind to go, I’d be looking to play someone else now. If he doesn’t want to be part of the team, it’s very difficult — you want people who want to play for the club — and it’s time to say right, OK.

“He’s a great player, no doubt. He’s a fantastic footballer, but his form of late has been poor. He’s not in form and wants to leave at the end of the year — he’s stated quite plainly he is keen to go, even though Tottenham must have offered him a new contract.”

Speaking about a possible move for Eriksen in January, the pundit added: “You get to January and see if you can sell him then. But he probably won’t move then because, if he hangs on until the summer and sees his contract out, he’s a free agent.

“Let’s say his value is £50 million. When he is a free agent he can go to a club and his agent will say his value is £50m if you bought him. Now you are getting him for nothing, so you give him £25m and you will still have a bargain.

“So somebody will give him a big signing-on fee plus his wages, so he is really going to set himself up for life by hanging on now.”

Spurs sit 14th in the Premier League table with their next game coming away to West Ham next Saturday.