Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane reportedly rejected the opportunity to sign Christian Eriksen in January.
After months of speculation, the midfielder finally left Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, completing a transfer to Inter Milan.
However, according to AS, a move to San Siro only materialised because of Zidane turning his back on a potential deal.
The report claims that Zidane was initially keen on the Denmark international, only to opt against adding another playmaker to his squad.
Zidane is also said to prefer handing more opportunities to the club's prospects, rather than shell out more money on an established player.