Tottenham exploring option of ditching fringe star in swap for top target

Tottenham are considering allowing Kyle Walker-Peters to join Southampton on a permanent basis in a bid to sign Saints midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg on a swap deal, according to reports.

Walker-Peters made his debut for Spurs in August 2018 and had begun to get more chances under former boss Mauricio Pochettino before the Argentine’s sacking in November.

However, his game time decreased after Jose Mourinho took charge and he was sent out on loan to the south coast in the January transfer window.

Spurs, meanwhile, have begun planning for the upcoming transfer market and according to Football Insider, Saints midfielder and captain Hojbjerg is their top target.

The source says that, amid the financial uncertainty hitting top clubs due to the shutdown of football, Spurs will be operating on a reduced budget when the time comes.

As such, they are reportedly unwilling to splash out the sizeable fee it will likely take to prise Hojbjerg away from Southampton and are exploring potential swap deals.

Among those who could be shipped off is Walker-Peters, given the 23-year-old’s current association with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

Hojbjerg, meanwhile, admitted earlier this season that he is “hungry” to reach the next level.

 

He said: “I know what I want, the club knows it too. “I want to play at an even higher level than I am currently. The relationship between Southampton and me is fantastic.

“The club gave me the platform to grow. I’m not saying ‘Goodbye’ and I’m focused on my club, but my goal is very clear: I want to win the Premier League and the Champions League.”

Hojbjerg’s contract runs out at the end of next season and, should he decide to seek pastures new, this summer will likely be the last opportunity to make money on his sale before the risk of a free transfer emerges next season.

In other news, Tottenham have reportedly been told the price for a defensive target, with Jose Mourinho also said to be keen to revamp his back four.

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