Juventus are ‘not so optimistic’ regarding a deal which would see Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg leave Premier League leaders Tottenham Hotspur and move to Serie A during the January transfer window.
With Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli facing long spells out of action – both suspended from first-team duties albeit for very different reasons – a new midfielder has suddenly become a necessity for Max Allegri’s Juventus.
Finding one who ticks the ‘affordable’ and the ‘availability’ box during the January window, however, may be easier said than done.
Take Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, for instance.
Tottenham face Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg decision
The Denmark international has started only one Premier League game under Ange Postecoglou. He probably wouldn’t have even been in the XI for that 2-0 win over Fulham had Yves Bissouma not been ruled out through suspension either.
But while Spurs may be open to offers – they certainly were over the summer – a reported £26 million asking price remains a substantial obstacle standing in Juventus’ way.
The team from Turin scouted Hojbjerg in action for his native Denmark during the October international break. According to Calciomercato, however, there is more pessimism than positivity regarding his potential arrival, while Tottenham may still opt to retain the services of a player who proved himself to Ange Postecoglou during a rare start at Craven Cottage.
Postecoglou impressed with Juventus target
“We had to adjust without (Bissouma) at Luton, which I thought we did awfully well with 10 men,” Postecoglou told Football London, the former Brighton ace sent off at Kenilworth Road.
“We’ve got some options, certainly Pierre is a ready-made replacement. He’s been training really hard.
“He’s obviously probably wanted to be playing more because he’s pretty much been a constant (in the Tottenham XI) for the last two, three years. But when he has come on for us, he’s done really well.
“For me, he’s the logical one to come in (if a midfielder is unavailable).”
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