Christian Eriksen is increasingly interested in a move to Inter after being assured a central role in the club’s plans, according to Sport Mediaset.

Antonio Conte would prefer to sign Arturo Vidal in January as the Barcelona midfielder is expected to need less time to settle in mid-season, having already played under the Nerazzurri boss at Juventus.

But Denmark international Eriksen, 27, is emerging as the likelier arrival, with his agent Martin Schoots in constant contact with Inter CEO Beppe Marotta.

Sources close to the Spurs midfielder reported he was ‘pleasantly surprised’ by Inter’s pledge to make him one of their star players in the seasons ahead.

Inter have offered Eriksen an annual wage worth €10 million plus bonuses and are hopeful of securing a deal before the January window shuts.

The Sun on Sunday today suggested the Nerazzurri were willing to pay €20 million to sign him now rather than wait for a free transfer in the summer, in order to fend off likely competition from Real Madrid and Juventus.