Man Utd now want to sign Spurs ‘most important’ star to solve midfield crisis

Manchester United is thinking about making a surprise bid for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

United has been given the opportunity to begin talks with Tottenham over the sale of Hojbjerg before the transfer deadline on Friday.

Atletico Madrid had a £30 million proposal accepted for the 28-year-old earlier this summer, but the deal fell through due to a disagreement over personal terms.

The Danish international recently rejected down the opportunity to join the Saudi Pro-League, despite being given a tremendously lucrative salary package worth £45 million net of tax over the course of his contract.

Hojbjerg joined Spurs on a five-year agreement from Southampton for £15 million in 2020, becoming Jose Mourinho’s first summer signing, and has been a crucial senior player until this season.

He has made two Premier League substitute appearances for new head coach Ange Postecoglou, who prefers a midfield duo of Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr.

It remains to be unclear whether United would pursue discussions, despite manager Erik ten Hag has urged the club to add another central midfielder.

However, it appears that United will need to raise revenue through sales as well. According to sources close to Bayern Munich, head coach Thomas Tuchel is not interested in signing Scott McTominay, who can leave United for a reasonable fee. United has offered £45 million to interested clubs for the Scot, but will have to settle for less.

Tuchel’s objective is to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah on a permanent contract rather than a loan, and talks with the 24-year-old are ongoing.

United have held talks with Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat, who appeared to be their primary target, but no offer has been made as of yet, implying that money must be brought into Old Trafford first.

Indeed, Amrabat’s representatives are becoming dissatisfied with the lack of development and are examining their options. Fiorentina appear to have decided not to play the Moroccan international, 27, until the transfer window closes.

Atletico Madrid have also expressed interest in Amrabat, although he has stated that he desires a move to the Premier League.

United have battled in midfield from the start of the season, and new addition Mason Mount has been ruled out for three to five weeks with a hamstring injury.

United’s plans have also been complicated by Luke Shaw’s injury, which has necessitated the search for an emergency left-back. Their targets are Marc Cucurella, Marcos Alonso, and Sergio Reguilon.