Southampton: Spurs make intriguing transfer offer for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Southampton look set to lose former captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer with the Dane stalling on signing a new contract.

Spurs are said to be front-runners for his signature, but Saints’ valuation of their midfielder is a sticking point at the moment.

An agreement is expected to be reached though and, according to journalist Duncan Castles, Spurs have made an intriguing offer that includes some of their own fringe players.

Speaking on the Transfer Window podcast (19th June), he said:

"“They (Saints), I’m told, have three offers so far for the player. None of them are satisfactory. One is extremely low at a financial level, and one is an offer of cash plus players in exchange, which I’m told has come from Tottenham Hotspur.”"

This is certainly an interesting claim from Castles and could well give an indication of what transfers will be like during the upcoming off-season.

Saints have reportedly put a £35m valuation on Hojbjerg’s head and clearly see him as an important player to build around for the future.

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

Spurs will see his valuation as significantly lower than this and will want to drive the price tag down because of the financial strains that have come from the Coronavirus pandemic – the circumstances could mean that less cash will be available for transfers at all clubs.

One way around this is a part-exchange deal though where fringe players are thrown in to meet the required valuation overall.

Interestingly, the Times have reported that Spurs are looking to sell each of Kyle Walker-Peters, Eric Dier, Serge Aurier and Danny Rose to try and recoup funds, so it is possible that some of these players could be used to sweeten an offer.

Walker-Peters is currently on loan with Saints but has only made one appearance since signing until the end of the season.

His temporary spell has been extended until all league games are complete, but it appears that Saints are unsure on a permanent move for him.

A move to bring Groningen right-back Deyovaisio Zeefuik to the South Coast was reportedly on the cards, but Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin are also said to be keen and may have taken the lead in the race to sign him.

If Saints have to move to other targets, then a permanent move for Walker-Peters may become more appealing.