Tottenham cannot afford to bring Christian Eriksen back from Inter in January because the midfielder’s salary is too high, according to transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio.

Various sources earlier on Thursday had begun speculating that the Danish international could be a target for Jose Mourinho during this month’s transfer window, despite having left Spurs only 12 months ago.

Mourinho would be happy to have the 28-year-old back in north London but Eriksen now earns €7 million annually, which is more than double what he had with Spurs.

Inter would have to help cover part of his wages if they loaned him back to the Premier League, making a deal unlikely.

Eriksen has made just five starts in all competitions for Antonio Conte this season and is widely expected to leave the club in January.

He featured in the Nerazzurri’s 2-1 defeat at Sampdoria yesterday but was unable to make an impact during his 20 minutes on the pitch.