Southampton have accepted that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will leave St Mary’s sooner rather than later as Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Leicester City circle around the £35 million-rated captain, according to The Sun (15 June, page 62).
With the global health crisis likely to make big-money signings few and far between this summer, the Saints have instead put their full focus on keeping their existing squad together.
Will Smallbone, Shane Long and head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl have all signed new contracts recently, while Ryan Bertrand is also in talks over an extension.
But tying down Hojbjerg, the former Bayern Munich wonderkid turned Saints skipper, has proved to be easier said than done.
The 24-year-old Denmark international is set to become a free agent in 12 months’ time.
The Telegraph claim that Tottenham and Everton are interested, while Leicester have been mentioned as another potential destination by talkSPORT.
And, with The Sun reporting that Southampton are resigned to losing Hojbjerg, he will surely be sold this summer if one of three Premier League rivals are willing to meet his £35 million asking price.
In truth, the writing has been on the wall for some time.
Back in February, Hojbjerg joined forces with Pini Zahavi, a super-agent who players often turn too when they are pushing for a big move (BT).
It remains to be seen, however, if the likes of Spurs are willing to pay £35 million in this day and age for a player who will be available for nothing in a years’ time.
Jose Mourinho himself has admitted that Tottenham fans hoping for big-money signings will be disappointed.
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