According to the Daily Star, Tottenham Hotspur are ready to launch their first bid for Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
It’s noted that Southampton have given Hojbjerg the green light to move on. That appears to be based on comments made by chief executive Martin Semmens, in which he admitted Southampton may have to let him go.
Hojbjerg is out of contract in 2021. He seems unwilling to sign a new deal, and Southampton may want to sell him now rather than lose him for nothing.
Tottenham are allegedly stepping up their pursuit as a result. However, both Spurs and Everton want a huge discount on the £35million Southampton demanded for Hojbjerg in January.
That’s understandable; Hojbjerg has just a year left on his deal, and the global pandemic will hit player valuations across the globe.
Spurs certainly can’t be paying £35million for anybody right now, and their opening bid for Hojbjerg is likely to be less than half of that valuation.
Inter Milan’s Matias Vecino has been offered to Tottenham. He represents another defensively-minded midfielder, but Jose Mourinho allegedly prefers Hojbjerg.
The Dane is younger, has Premier League experience and has served as Southampton captain, ticking many boxes for Tottenham – and they will hope to make progress with this move for him.
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