Manchester United and Liverpool, along with several other English Premier League clubs, are on high alert after Ajax revealed Christian Eriksen had rejected a new contract offer from the Dutch club.
Eriksen has been linked with a move to several Premier League clubs for the past couple of seasons, with United and Liverpool thought to be the frontrunners.
The Danish midfielder has been one of the standout performers in a young Ajax lineup for the last two years, and that has led to some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid and Barcelona showing an interest, while the likes of Arsenal, Inter Milan and AC Milan have also been linked.
However, United are thought to be the keenest among the clubs, and the news that Eriksen has decided against committing his future to Ajax will have alerted Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford. The Danish midfielder's current deal with the Dutch club expires in 2014.
"Christian has informed us that he doesn't want to sign a new contract right now," Ajax technical director and former Arsenal star Marc Overmars told sporten.dk.
"I think he and his agent wants to see what opportunities present themselves this summer.
"We want him to stay here for at least two more years, but the day he leaves us, he will be ready to play for the very best.
"He's a player even the biggest clubs in the world could do with having in their squad."
Liverpool have bought Philippe Coutinho in the January transfer window, a similar player to Eriksen, but with manager Brendan Rodgers particularly keen on bringing the youngest and best talent to Anfield, the chance to sign Eriksen at the end of the season will be looked at seriously.
Arsenal and Tottenham have also been linked in the past, but with the Gunners having the likes of Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere who can play in Eriksen's position, and Spurs buying Leiws Hotlby, it remains to be seen whether the North London duo will firm up their interest in the summer.
United are also well stocked in the attacking department at the moment, with the Red Devils well on their way to another Premier League title.
However, Ferguson always looks to strengthen his side in the summer ahead of a new season, and Eriksen is sure to be high on the manager's wishlist.
