Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has suggested that Southampton may not have much of say in the future of rumoured Spurs target Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Hojbjerg has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham over the past few months with reports indicating that the Lilywhites could potentially complete a swap deal that would see loanee Kyle Walker-Peters moving to the south coast on a permanent basis.
The Denmark international has hinted that he would be open to a move to North London (Viaplay vaa Danish publication BT) while Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has admitted that the club cannot afford to lose the midfielder, who only has a year left on his deal with the Saints on a free transfer (BBC Solent Sport).
However, The Evening Standard reported earlier this week that Southampton are determined not to let the 24-year-old leave on the cheap.
It was claimed that the club had slapped a £35million asking price on the midfielder’s head and were not willing to accept any offer below that amount.
While Whelan said it was only natural for Southampton to fight to hang on to their skipper, he insisted that the club had little power due to the midfielder’s contract situation.
When asked what they could do to hang on to Hojbjerg, the pundit told Football Insider: “Well, that’s it, nothing.
“You’ve got to keep your players on your side, especially a player who has been so important to Southampton.
“Now you’ve got a bigger club looking at him and he’s going to want to go to Tottenham if that’s the case.
“He’s going to want to be part of that team so it’s important you don’t turn a player against the club and you start getting a player who will only do enough for you rather than the quality he’s been showing so far.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Southampton might have little power over Hojbjerg’s contract situation but they will want to recoup as much money as possible for the midfielder. While I am reasonably confident that the 24-year-old would prefer to come to Spurs over Everton, I fear the Toffees could be willing to offer more money to Southampton and might eventually convince the Dane to make the switch to Goodison, especially if we hesitate.
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