Tottenham have reportedly been caught by surprise by Southampton’s initial asking price for midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
The Times understands that the Saints have informed Spurs it would cost us £35m for the 24-year-old but Spurs were only hoping to pay £20m.
This would usually be an opportune time to bash the stinginess of Daniel Levy but in this case I think he’s judged the market absolutely perfectly.
Hojbjerg is approaching the final year of his contract and clubs are not in a position to let players walk away for free amid the Covid-19 chaos.
Defensive midfielders don’t tend to command premium prices, especially those at clubs in the bottom half of the Premier League. Hojbjerg has been a solid player for a few years now and would be a good fit in our midfield, but it’s not as though he’s been one of the best in his position in the division.
Southampton are playing hard-ball. Then again, wouldn’t you when every decent player you’ve had in a decade has been lured away from you.
A feeling I remember all too well…
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