Atletico Madrid plot summer swoop for affordable Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Atletico Madrid are after Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Per Mundo Deportivo (page 18), Atletico see him as an option due to the Spurs’ insistence on selling and his seemingly low transfer fee.

Los Colchoneros believe the Spurs star is a cheaper alternative to Mats Wieffer (Feyenoord), Ederson (Atalanta), and Matt O’Riley (Celtic).

Hojbjerg is not in manager Ange Postecoglou’s plans and was supposed to leave the club last summer. Atletico were interested then, but a move was not finalised.

Hojbjerg stayed in North London and provided cover in midfield. He started only eight Premier League games, creating three big chances.

The 28-year-old recorded 3.4 ball recoveries per 90, winning 49% of his duels while registering an 89% pass accuracy.

On his day, he is an excellent midfielder who can dominate the centre, winning tackles and breaking the lines for fun, but he was admittedly poor last term, making mistakes in crucial areas.

Atletico can provide an escape route for the Dane, who will likely find himself further down the pecking order following the addition of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

Hojbjerg to headline Tottenham summer exodus

Hojbjerg is one of several Spurs stars set to leave the club this summer as Postecoglou looks to revamp his squad to compete for the Premier League title.

In defence, Ryan Sesson has left. Japhet Tanganga is poised to join Millwall permanently, while Emerson Royal is seemingly on his way to AC Milan. Djed Pence is a target for Genoa and will likely use the exit door.

Giovanni Lo Celso’s time at the club has come to an end after failing to find his feet. He should also be on his way out alongside the injury-prone Manor Solomon and uninspiring Bryan Gil.

Richarlison could also be sold if a major offer comes for his services, and the Saudi Pro League is reportedly interested in his signature.