According to The Telegraph, Everton have made a cash bid of £18million for Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
It’s claimed that Tottenham were regarded as ‘clear favourites’ to sign Hojbjerg. Spurs are willing to offer cash plus current Saints loanee Kyle Walker-Peters in order to sign Hojbjerg, and that is seemingly appealing.
Talks are underway with Spurs, Everton have now swooped in to try and hijack those negotiations by launching their own move.
Everton have offered £18million in cash, meaning Southampton may now face a decision over their midfielder.
Do they go with less cash but with Walker-Peters included, or simply take as much cash as they can right now given that Hojbjerg is out of contract in 2021?
Given that two Premier League clubs are fighting over him, Southampton can at least let this situation play out a little longer and attempt to play the two sides against each other.
Hojbjerg, 24, has been a key part of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton side, but has now been stripped of the captaincy having failed to sign a new contract.
The Dane is gritty and determined, recycling possession well in midfield whilst offering protection to his back four; it isn’t flashy, but he does a lot of dirty work in the engine room.
Everton need that. Their midfield looks weak at the moment, and going for a proven Premier League player like Hojbjerg does make sense for them.
With Tottenham targeting him too and having Walker-Peters as a potential trump card, Everton have taken a smart step by making the first bid – and now, they must wait.
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