Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino accepts that no one expected Christian Eriksen's future to still be unresolved going into the final week of the European transfer window.
Eriksen, who is out of contract at the end of the season and said at the start of the summer that he was looking for a fresh challenge, is holding out for a move to a top European club, having turned down the chance to join Manchester United.
But there has been a surprising lack of interest in the Denmark international – who would be available on a free next summer – with less than 10 days to go before the September 2 window shuts.
With no signs of Eriksen wanting to sign a new deal, Spurs will be willing to sell him if they can get a good price and Pochettino knows a business decision may prevail over a football one.
"Of course it is not a good situation," he said. "It is not what I think the club or the player expected it to be.
"A difficult situation for both sides.
"Yesterday, I was talking with (chairman) Daniel (Levy) and he recognised (that) it's not a good place, (for) teams like us, clubs like us.
To Eriksen's credit, he has not let the speculation surrounding his future affect him as his performance against Aston Villa on the opening day helped Tottenham rescue a win.
Pochettino has been impressed with the Dane's attitude.
"I always tell the player to not be affected by the rumours," he added. "In this situation, there is nothing to say, because still we have one more year on his contract.
"It's not the best situation for him, for everyone.
"He's natural. You cannot put a finger on the problem. You need to try to help. I understand the club, I understand the player.
"You try to minimalism the problem, try to treat the situation. This is an important player who needs to help the team with his performances to get positive results.
"It's not easy....because of rumours, things happen around you. But Christian has a personality and a character that, he's involved, and he's not affected by the rumours or situation surrounding him."
