According to claims from Gianluca Di Marzio, as relayed by Sky Sports, Everton want to sign Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Southampton.
The Saints captain has reportedly emerged as the Toffees’ ‘primary’ target as they look to provide Carlo Ancelotti with a solution in the middle of the park this month.
Everton have only signed promising defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the January transfer window so far, but it seems recruiting a new central midfielder is on the agenda, with Hojbjerg claimed to be the number one target.
However, if the Merseyside club are to land the Denmark international, he will not come cheaply.
Di Marzio claims that Southampton will demand no less than £35 million for Hojbjerg, whose contract at St Mary’s expires in 18 months, with Everton reluctant to cough up such a sum.
Read Everton’s verdict
We feel the Toffees need to be active in the closing stages of the transfer window, with a number of positions in desperate need of reinforcement.
A new central defender would not go amiss, but we think it’s clear to see that adding to Ancelotti’s midfield options would be of great benefit not just for the here and now, but for the long-term.
Andre Gomes is nearing a return from injury and his recovery will provide the boss with a welcome boost. However, in our opinion, adding to the midfield is crucial for Everton’s hopes of success, with Idrissa Gana Gueye’s summer departure leaving a clear void.
Hojbjerg has years of Premier League experience following his move to Southampton from Bayern Munich in 2016.
At just 24-years-old, we think that he has his best years ahead of him. However, he has not been especially impressive upon our viewings of him in action this season; in fact, his midfield partner James Ward-Prowse has largely outperformed the Dane.
Nevertheless, Hojbjerg does possess some good qualities. He is a forward-thinking midfielder who has proven to be a reliable player under Ralph Hasenhuttl, exemplified by the fact that he has missed only one Premier League game all season.
Our view is that, at £35 million, Everton should be aiming slightly higher. However, if a reasonably-priced deal for Hojbjerg can be reached, we think he would provide Ancelotti with some much-needed steel and intelligence in the middle.
