Manchester City join Tottenham in Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg pursuit

Outgoing Premier League champions Manchester City are planning to hijack Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, writes transfer expert Duncan Castles in the Daily Record.

The 24-year-old Hojbjerg is on his way out of Southampton once the season is over. The Dane is entering the final year of his current contract with the Saints and has no intentions of signing a new deal. This led to him being stripped from the club captaincy last month.

Tottenham have been linked most heavily with a move for the former Bayern Munich midfielder. He is understood to be one of the top names on Jose Mourinho’s summer shopping list. Hojbjerg, too, is believed to be favouring a move to Tottenham. (h/t The Telegraph)

However, now Manchester City have thrown their hats in the ring for the signing of the Danish international, complicating matters for Tottenham. (h/t Daily Record)

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola knows Hojbjerg closely, having worked with him during his time at Bayern Munich. The Catalan had promoted the midfielder to his first-team in Bavaria at the age of 17 and knows what he brings to the table.

That could play a key role in Hojbjerg’s decision over his next move. Furthermore, Manchester City, at the moment are better-placed to challenge for trophies than we are. And they will most definitely be able to Champions League football as well, provided the CAS upholds their appeal against a two-year European ban.

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Manchester City are not the only club vying for his signature. Dutch giants Ajax, too, are keen on making a move for Hojbjerg. (h/t The Telegraph)

A defensive midfielder of Hojbjerg’s ilk is very much needed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, with increasing competition, it now remains to be seen if Mourinho is able to seal the deal for the Dane.