Juventus ‘want Tottenham outcast in January transfer window to replace banned Paul Pogba’

6 months ago 51

JUVENTUS want to sign Tottenham outcast Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, according to reports.

This comes as Paul Pogba was provisionally suspended last month having tested positive for testosterone.

Juventus’ midfielder Paul Pogba faces a four-year ban for a doping offence[/caption]

Hojbjerg, 28, has been frozen out in North London this season – starting just once under Ange Postecoglou this season.

The Australian manager has instead favoured a midfield pairing of Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr.

His one start this season only came after Bissouma was forced to serve a one-game suspension following his red card for simulation at Luton Town.

And now, according to the Telegraph, Hojbjerg is seeking a way out of the capital after slipping down the pecking order.

He is high on the list of targets for Juventus as they look for a central midfielder with Paul Pogba currently suspended after returning a positive drugs test.

Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday night along with his assistant Giovanni Manna.

Pogba also tested positive in a second sample and now faces a lengthy ban which could see the end of his career at the top level.

The Frenchman will face an anti-doping tribunal, and if found guilty, he could be banned for up to four years.

Meanwhile, Juventus have been dealt another blow after Nicolo Fagioli was slapped with a seven-month ban for breaching betting rules.

Hojbjerg was valued at £25million in the summer window when Fulham came knocking.

The Dane – who has one season left on his contract – has racked up 156 appearances for Spurs since arriving from Southampton for £15m in 2020.

SunSport previously revealed he is not a natural fit in the free-flowing system of new boss Postecoglou.

Hojbjerg was a guaranteed starter under former bosses Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte.

Another player believed to be on Juventus’ radar ahead of the January window is Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.