Atletico Madrid have re-opened negotiations with Tottenham for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and could make a loan offer with a buy obligation.
According to Daily Mail, Atletico Madrid have contemplated a late swoop for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg after re-entering negotiations with Tottenham. The Danish midfielder does not have a starting spot under Ange Postecoglou and could still depart the club on deadline day amid interest from top clubs.
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has wanted Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg since the transfer window opened. The Rojiblancos had been searching for a viable midfield option and had stumbled upon the 28-year-old Danish midfielder, who had a good season personally with Tottenham.
Tottenham had rejected an earlier offer from Atletico, which fell well short of their valuation of the midfielder. Spurs had wanted around £40 million for the experienced player. But the La Liga giants may not have had the means to go higher up.
Atletico were expected to return with a new offer, which reports suggested could touch the £30 million mark. The stories indicate that Tottenham may still hold out for £40 million, as there is still considerable interest in the Danish midfielder at the very end of the transfer window.
While talks between Atletico and Tottenham had broken down earlier, the Colchoneros have now re-entered negotiations to find a breakthrough. The latest suggestion is a loan deal with a purchase obligation, which could touch the £40 million mark.
Such a deal would suit Tottenham in multiple ways. They will not want to sell Hojbjerg to a direct Premier League rival, such as Manchester United. The Red Devils had opened talks for the midfielder as they continued their search for an option in the middle.
However, Atletico Madrid may have a straightforward route to Hojbjerg, as Manchester United reportedly want Sofyan Amrabat before the window shuts. The Fiorentina man is also open to joining the Red Devils, and he will become a cheaper alternative to someone like Hojbjerg.
As for Atletico, they will push to make this signing happen as Tottenham are keen to offload Hojbjerg, among other players. The Danish midfielder does not have a starting place in the team this season, as he was reduced to two substitute appearances in the opening three games.
Keeping him beyond this window will not hurt the team, as Hojbjerg will still provide a valuable backup option for Postecoglou. However, if Atletico comes through with their loan with a £40 million buy obligation, Tottenham will undoubtedly look to offload the 28-year-old Manchester United target.
