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The protracted transfer saga surrounded Christian Eriksen finally came to an end as Inter Milan completed the signing of the Danish international midfielder from Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.
Eriksen, 27, has signed a contact until 2024 with the Italian giants after the clubs reached an agreement for a reported transfer fee of 20 million euros (22 million U.S. dollars).
"I couldn't wait to join," Eriksen told Inter TV. "It's wonderful to be here and I'm happy to be a new Inter player. I'm very excited and can't wait to introduce myself to the fans. I've already experienced their warmth, it's been a fantastic welcome. I feel great."
Eriksen made 305 appearances for Spurs after joining from Ajax in 2013, scoring 69 goals. He was a key part of the side that reached last season's Champions League final and finished in the top four of the Premier League for the past four seasons under Mauricio Pochettino.
However, he refused to extend his contract with the north London club beyond the end of this season, meaning a departure was inevitable either this month or on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Eriksen becomes Inter's third signing of the January window after the arrivals of Ashley Young from Manchester United and Victor Moses on loan from Chelsea as they aim to end Juventus' stranglehold on the Serie A title.
Conte's men are three points behind Juve at the top of the table, but their title challenge has stumbled of late with three consecutive draws.
Tottenham also confirmed the permanent signing of Giovani Lo Celso from Real Betis to replace Eriksen on Tuesday. The Argentinian, who has impressed recently after returning from injury, has signed a contract until 2025.
The fee is understood to be 35 million euros (38.5 million U.S. dollars) and Tottenham waited until Eriksen's move had been done before confirming Lo Celso's signing.
The club have also agreed with a fee of 30 million euros (33 million U.S. dollars) for the PSV Eindhoven winger Steven Bergwijn , plus two million euros (2.2 million U.S. dollars) in add-ons, with the player set to undertake his medical and put the finishing touches to the transfer.
Sporting Lisbon's Bruno Fernandes during the UEFA Europa League group D clash with PSV Eindhoven at Estadio Jose Alvalade, November 28, 2019. /VCG Photo
Meanwhile, Manchester United are confident of completing the transfer of Portuguese international midfielder** Bruno Fernandes** after a breakthrough in negotiations with Sporting Lisbon, according to widespread reports in the British media on Tuesday.
United are badly in need of midfield reinforcements due to long-term injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay.
Fernandes, 25, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for many months, but United were previously unwilling to meet Sporting's 80 million euros valuation (88 million U.S. dollars).
A deal has reportedly now been agreed for an initial fee of 55 million euros with another 25 million euros in performance-related add-ons.
Fernandes has scored 63 goals in 137 appearances for Sporting since returning to his homeland after spells with Udinese and Sampdoria in Italy.
He was also part of the Portugal side that won the inaugural Nations League in June and has scored twice in 19 international caps.
There had been mounting pressure on United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to land at least one marquee name in the remainder of the transfer window.
Woodward, who has overseen the club's poor recruitment over the past seven years, had been the target of the fans' anger in a 2-0 home defeat to Burnley last week that left the Red Devils still six points adrift of the Premier League top four in fifth.
Manchester United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward looks on during their Premier League clash with Huddersfield Town at John Smith's Stadium, May 5, 2019. /VCG Photo
According to the Daily Mirror, Woodward was attacked with flares and graffiti on Tuesday night by a mob of disgruntled supporters. A video released on social media showed a flare being thrown over the gate to Woodward's Cheshire home. The attack was alleged carried out by a group of 20-30 balaclava-clad United fans.
In a statement, United said: "We know that the football world will unite behind us as we work with Greater Manchester Police to identify the perpetrators of this unwarranted attack."
"Anybody found guilty of a criminal offense or found to be trespassing on this property will be banned for life by the club and may face prosecution."
"Fans expressing opinion is one thing, criminal damage and intent to endanger life is another. There is imply no excuse for this."
(With input from agencies)
