Everton could make a move for Southampton captain and midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, it has been claimed.
Hojbjerg moved to the Saints from Bayern Munich, and in fact, left the club at the time when current Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti joined the German club.
Sky Sport journalist Gianluca Di Marzio (via Daily Star) has revealed that the Italian manager is interested in the Danish midfielder, but the Toffees will have to fork out around £35million.
Southampton do not want to let go of their captain easily, but Everton do not want to overpay and will instead sign players after the season is over if a sensible deal does not pan out.
Since signing from Bayern Munich, Hojbjerg has become an important player for the Saints, playing over 120 games, scoring 5 goals and making 6 assists. His contract with Southampton expires in 2021.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – A canny option for Ancelotti?
Carlo Ancelotti has a tough task at hand to take Everton back in contention for a top 7 spot. The squad needs a few vital additions in different areas of the pitch, and strengthening the midfield should be a priority for the Italian.
The long-term injuries to Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Andre Gomes have hurt them in the first half of the season, while Tom Davies and Morgan Schneiderlin have been inconsistent.
The Toffees need a leader in the middle of the park, a player who can clear the ball, tackle, make vital interceptions, and add more energy.
Hojbjerg could very well be that player for Everton, with his energy and physicality. The addition of a player like the Dane could give attack-minded players like Davies or passers like Gomes more freedom to move up and about the pitch.
He has shown that he can be the midfield enforcer that several Premier League teams crave. The 24-year-old has got a lot of experience under his belt and has been given the captain’s armband at a young age at Southampton which shows that he is someone that can be trusted and inspire the rest.
His experience of playing in the Premier League, as well as his leadership, would make him a good signing for Everton.
Having played in high-pressing and dynamic set-ups at Bayern Munich and now at Southampton under Hasenhuttl, Hojbjerg would do well under Ancelotti.