Newcastle United is reportedly exploring the possibility of securing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Tottenham Hotspur to strengthen their midfield in the January transfer window.
The Magpies are keen on reinforcing their midfield, but their spending capacity may be limited unless they make sales to comply with financial regulations.
According to the Chronicle, the potential deal involving Hojbjerg is “bubbling under the surface” as the February 1 transfer deadline approaches. The Danish midfielder finds himself behind Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma in Tottenham’s No. 6 hierarchy, resulting in only six starts out of 22 appearances this season.
Newcastle is experiencing a shortage of midfield options, with Joelinton, Joe Willock, and Elliot Anderson sidelined due to injuries, and Sandro Tonali serving a ban for a gambling transgression.
Eddie Howe’s team faces limitations under Financial Fair Play (FFP), and any additional signings may need to be facilitated through loan deals in the current window.
The financial constraints stem from the FFP rules, which restrict clubs from having losses exceeding £105 million over a three-year period.
Newcastle, having utilized their financial wiggle room inherited from the previous ownership era, is now at the FFP limit for the current window. However, they will have the flexibility to spend again when they enter the next rolling three-year period on June 1.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg joined Tottenham from Southampton in a £15 million move in 2020. While the 28-year-old has accumulated 165 appearances for the London club, his role and influence have diminished in recent years, particularly under manager Ange Postecoglou.
Newcastle’s interest in Hojbjerg signals an effort to secure a seasoned midfielder who could provide valuable contributions in the quest for midfield reinforcement.