Everton risk getting played again, Moussa Sissoko style, in Tottenham transfer battle for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – TBR View

Add as preferred source on Google

Back in the summer of 2016, Moussa Sissoko wanted an exit from the recently relegated Newcastle United. Despite an impressive Euro 2016 with France, the Magpies were struggling to find a buyer for the player who could match his £30 million price-tag. 

Then, on transfer deadline day, Tottenham Hotspur paid a reported (BBC) £30 million to snap up the midfield dynamo.

But that is not the whole story. Tottenham only made the £30 million move after Everton had made the same offer. But with the North London club knowing the player’s preference was a move to London, they swooped in and got their man. 

What is happening now regarding Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg looks remarkably similar. 

Everton and Tottenham are both being linked with the former Southampton captain, who is ready to leave the club this summer. 

But as reported by the Liverpool ECHO last night, the idea Everton have lodged a £25 million bid for the player is wide of the mark. In fact, Everton are unwilling to go above £14 million for the player. 

Tottenham are also keen on the player but would appear ready to wait it out, with his value likely to drop significantly by January. 

So it would appear that Everton’s interest is again being used to leverage interest from Tottenham, much like in the Sissoko case. 

As reported by the Express in 2016, Everton had repeated calls to Sissoko’s entourage ignored and they soon realised that they were being used to force Tottenham’s hand. It seems that history is repeating itself. 

The ECHO reports that Hojbjerg has told Everton he wants to move to Tottenham. A switch to Goodison Park now would be settling for the Dane. 

But using the apparent interest from Everton to hasten any interest from Tottenham, that’s smart thinking from the Saints. Everton, must stick to their guns and their market value, or risk simply giving Tottenham a fee to match. 

Spurs, on the other hand, need to pony up or risk waiting too long to get their man. 

Much like Sissoko, this one could end up going down to the wire, with somebody’s nose bent out of shape.