Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes Southampton are trying to test how desperate Tottenham Hotspur are to sign Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg by demanding £35million for his services.
Tottenham’s need for a defensive midfielder is clear for all to see with Hojbjerg being one of the options rumoured to be on the club’s radar this summer.
There are many reasons the Southampton player appears to be a perfect fit for the Lilywhites given his proficiency in winning the ball back as well as the experience he has under his belt in the Premier League.
The Evening Standard reported last week that the Saints had slapped a £35million asking price on the midfielder’s head amidst interest from Spurs and Everton.
Whelan believes Southampton are simply playing hardball to test how much Spurs would be willing to pay for the Danish international.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said: “I think right now Southampton can ask that, depending on how desperate they are to bring this player in, but I think somewhere along the line there will be a deal that’s met halfway.
“That’s usually how deals are done – you start off a bit high and you end up getting what you want. I think £35million when a player who in seven months’ time can sign a pre-contract with a team abroad, they could end up losing a player who could command around £20million.
“I think that’s about right for the player, I really do. At £35million, they’re chancing their arm a little bit to see how desperate Tottenham want him.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Although the Hojbjerg to Spurs transfer seems like a no-brainer for all parties involved, it looks like one of those deals that is going to drag on all summer. Southampton will look to get as much money as they can for the midfielder while Spurs will try to sign him as cheaply as they could. I fear that the door could be opened for Everton to make their move if we hesitate for too long.
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