Manchester United are prepared to provide stiff competition to Juventus in the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in January, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Red Devils reinforced their midfield department with Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat over the summer transfer window but neither of them have been consistent enough thus far.
United recently suffered a big blow with Casemiro suffering a hamstring injury and manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that he won’t be returning until the beginning of the New Year.
The club were linked with a move for Real Betis’ Guido Rodriguez earlier this month, and Corriere dello Sport that they are now exploring a potential deal to sign Hojbjerg from Spurs.
Juventus have held a keen interest in signing the Denmark international on loan, but the Italian outlet claim that the north London giants prefer to sanction a permanent transfer.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have set an asking price of €30 million for Hojbjerg.
United’s pursuit of midfielder depends on Casemiro’s fitness
Casemiro recently returned to action after an ankle problem only to pick up another injury.
The Brazil international pulled his hamstring in the Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Newcastle United and was substituted at the half-time interval.
The experienced star has been predicted to return after the festive period, but the big question is whether he will be completely fit at the beginning of 2024.
If not, manager Erik ten Hag could urge the hierarchy to spend on another holding midfielder. Hojbjerg would be a good option with his vast league experience.
United may make a proposal to sign him on loan with a buy clause. We simply don’t see the club spending €30m with their tight Financial Fair Play situation.
Convincing Hojbjerg to move to Old Trafford should not be difficult with compatriots Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund already plying their trade for United.
A loan deal for Hojbjerg will depend on United terminating their temporary contract for Sergio Reguilon. United can’t loan two players from a single club, as per Premier League rules.
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