Noel Whelan says Hojberg would ‘complement’ midfield

Despite having great success with Joelinton in a makeshift midfield role, Eddie Howe has recently pushed the 24-year-old higher up the pitch in a more familiar attacking role. But with Isaac Hayden currently sidelined with injury, Newcastle United are short of ball-winners.

Bruno Guimaraes was brought in to turnover possession and protect the backline, but he’s shown a willingness to get forward, so Newcastle still need a more defensive-minded player alongside him. Noel Whelan has already said Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg would be the ideal signing, but Spurs don’t appear keen to sell him, nor is the 26-year-old pushing for an exit.

Hojbjerg has made 44 appearances in all competitions this season, playing in all but two Premier League games for Tottenham, so it’s clear he has his manager’s trust. Whelan disagrees, however, and believes Antonio Conte isn’t full convinced by the Dane.

He told Football Insider: “He’s doing fantastically well for Tottenham but I still don’t think Conte’s completely sold by Hojbjerg. (Newcastle) not just going to go out there and grab players. They have got to complement the team, they’ve got to complement the players they play next to.

“I don’t think £30million is over the top for a player like that. For five years, or four years, whatever contract he may sign, it would prove dividend for them.” Newcastle would likely jump at the chance to bring Hojbjerg to St James’ Park, but it doesn’t appear likely to happen.

Tottenham wouldn’t sell an important first-team player unless they have a successor lined up, but that doesn’t appear to be the case right now. Newcastle might have to turn their attentions elsewhere.

In other news, Newcastle shouldn’t sign Wilfried Zaha this summer