Tottenham are 'certain' to make a move for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the summer after the Southampton star was recently stripped of the captaincy by Ralph Hasenhuttl. 

Last month, Hojbjerg made it clear that he wants to play at “an even higher level than I already am” amid interest from Spurs and Everton. As a result, Hasenhuttl swiftly removed the captain's armband from him and has promoted James Ward-Prowse ahead of the Premier League game against Norwich this evening.

Sky Sports revealed earlier this year that Jose Mourinho indicated that the Dane is at the top of his summer shortlist. The Saints will reportedly demand £35m for their former captain, according to The Times, while the Lilywhites had hoped he would be available for about £20m.

After impressing at St Mary's Stadium, Hojbjerg has been on the coach's radar for a number of months. The Danish international, who previously played for Bayern Munich, has made 28 appearances for Hasenhuttl's side this season, providing one assist, winning 2.4 tackles per game, averaging 1.5 interceptions and successfully completing 1.7 clearances per game on average (via WhoScored).

According to Ekstra Bladet, as relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham will launch a bid for the midfielder in the summer. However, the Danish tabloid confirmed that Southampton are still holding out for their original valuation. Hojbjerg is an international teammate of former White Hart Lane favourite Christian Eriksen.

Mourinho has been informed he will be restricted by a tight budget when the transfer market opens as Spurs reel from the financial repercussions of the coronavirus crisis.

Although their asking price should be more than affordable, as Daniel Levy previously signed Tanguy Ndombele for a club record fee of £53.8m, clubs are operating in uncertain times. Therefore, fans will have to wait and see what deals can be made before the start of next season.

Tottenham fans, should Levy sign Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!