TBR View: Should Southampton request Victor Wanyama in Tottenham swap deal?

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly rivalling Everton and Arsenal in the race to sign Southampton captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg ahead of Friday’s 11pm deadline – and Southampton should consider bringing a player back to St. Mary’s as a swap.

Sky Sports claim that Hojbjerg, who is still only 24, is interesting all three Premier League sides with a fee of £35million being touted. However, given the deadline is just over 24 hours away, a move is more likely in the summer.

The 33-time Denmark international is expected to make his 100th Premier League appearance on the weekend as the Saints take on league leaders Liverpool. He has almost clocked up 200 outings in professional football at club level.

The former Bayern Munich, Schalke and Augsburg ace has been pivotal in Southampton’s return to form, starring at the base of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s midfield. It has interested Spurs as well as Arsenal and Everton, with his contract ending in 2021.

If Spurs do look to complete a move to sign Hojbjerg before Friday’s deadline, Southampton will instantly need a replacement and there will be no quicker way of bringing in a player to cover Hojbjerg than including a player in the deal for the Dane.

Indeed, former Southampton man Victor Wanyama is expected to leave Spurs before Friday’s deadline – after playing just once under Jose Mourinho since the Portuguese manager took over from Mauricio Pochettino.

Kenyan midfielder Wanyama joined Southampton in the summer of 2013 from Scottish champions Celtic, clocking up 97 outings for the south coast outfit. He left three years later to join Tottenham.

Now, 28-year-old Wanyama is surplus to requirements and the Evening Standard claim Spurs want £9million for his services. But with Tottenham eyeing Hojbjerg, surely it makes sense to include Wanyama in a deal to replace the Saints skipper?

Given he has played for Southampton in the past and would reduce Tottenham’s expenditure in a move to sign Hojbjerg, including Wanyama is a deal that will suit all parties involved.