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Is Hojbjerg midfield answer for Everton

By Matt Townsend

Southampton's Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on February 15, 2020. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton's Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on February 15, 2020. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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With yet another injury affecting Jean-Philippe Gbamin meaning that he will now miss the upcoming re-start of the season, is Southampton’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg now the right answer for Everton in midfield?

Well he has a double-barreled first name just like Gbamin! But seriously, Everton will now almost certainly need to go into the transfer market for another central midfield enforcer after the Ivory Coast player’s latest setback.

Hojbjerg has been linked with a move to Goodison Park on several occasions. As so often with these rumours, we’ve dealt with this story before of course.

There are now recurring stories that Southampton are willing to listen to offers for the Danish player, as they seek to cash in on one of their most effective performers, although they are looking for a fee of around £35 million, which seems steep given the current financial situation.

And once again Everton along with Tottenham Hotspur, are the two Premier League clubs who are supposedly ready to try and sign him.

Hojbjerg is certainly a strong midfielder who can provide plenty of solid defensive qualities. He would certainly shore up Everton’s centre and give some much-needed protection for the Blues back four. He’s also young at 24, so that fits with the Toffees transfer strategy.

However, he doesn’t seem to be a player who would offer much attacking and creative input as he only made one assist in the Premier League this season.

Also he’s prove tag as I mentioned, is too much I think given the consequences of the pandemic, the club can probably find more reasonably priced talent out there.

Turning to other news, as we mentioned yesterday, Everton were in discussions this week about where the Blues upcoming first fixture when the season starts up again, would take place.

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Its been announced today that this game, the derby against Liverpool, will now be played at Goodison Park next Sunday evening the 21 June.

This is interesting, even though the absence of any fans in the ground will make it a surreal experience. At least Everton will get to play their neighbours on home turf.

I was half expecting that the decision would be to play the game at another ground as I have little faith in the Premier League every being prepared to do what is in the Toffees interests!

I was sure they would be desperate to do everything possible to facilitate Liverpool’s title win, including playing this match somewhere else so the Kopites could be crowned champions asap.

Now hopefully even at an empty Goodison Park, being at home might help the Blues to do everything possible to stop that happening!

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