Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli has played down reports linking the club with a Premier League raid for Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg or Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips.
The narrative surrounding Juventus in recent months is that, when it comes to the transfer market, a new midfielder is a must.
But, as far as Cristiano Giuntoli is concerned, concerns over Max Allegri’s options in the centre of the park have been somewhat overblown.
Tottenham Hotspur benchwarmer Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Manchester City misfit Kalvin Phillips continue to be linked with a mid-season switch to the Serie A giants. Juve, however, currently see no value in the market, neither from a ‘tactical’ nor an ‘economic’ perspective.
Juventus linked with Tottenham or Man City raid
“Numerical problems? I wouldn’t say so. We have many boys who have found little space but are very strong like, (Samuel) Iling-Junior, (Hans) Nicolussi Caviglia, (Fabio) Miretti…,” Giuntoli tells Sport Mediaset.
“We have a strong squad numerically, and the coach is very happy. He is doing great things together with the team and his staff. We are happy, and we must continue like this.
“Phillips and Hojbjerg? At this moment there are no correct opportunities either from a tactical or economic point of view.”
One of the first names on the Spurs team sheet under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, Hojbjerg has gone from big man on campus to back-up, the Dane currently behind Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma and (when fit) Rodrigo Bentancur in Ange Postecoglou’s pecking order.
He could go from fourth-choice to fifth if Conor Gallagher arrives from Chelsea.
Spurs want big fee for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Tottenham’s reported £25 million asking price for a player with only a year-and-a-half left on his contract could ki-bosh his chances of a January departure, however, with Juventus and also Ajax seemingly harbouring serious reservations.
The Times, meanwhile, reported that Juventus had opened talks with Phillips last week but Man City have set out a hardline stance, demanding a £5 million loan fee and an obligation-to-buy clause to be included in the England international’s contract (TalkSPORT).
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