By Kevin Phillips

25th Apr, 2022 | 9:19am

Tottenham told to sign Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg replacement after '100%' transfer claim - pundit

Kevin Phillips has insisted the capture of Youri Tielemans would be a “real upgrade” on Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 24-year-old is an “extra level” above the Dane.

As per Fabrizio Romano, speaking on the Here We Go podcast (19 April), Tielemans will “100%” leave his current club Leicester City at the end of the season.

The journalist claims Tottenham are among many teams interested in signing the midfielder, whose contract expires in June 2023.

Tielemans has scored seven and assisted three across 43 appearances in all competitions this term.

Phillips claimed the Belgian and Hojbjerg could also be a formidable midfield if they were to play alongside each other.

“He’d be a real upgrade on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, I think Tielemans is a fantastic player,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.

“That’s not knocking Hojbjerg – he’s done really well since coming into Tottenham. But with Tielemans, he’s just that extra level above in terms of creativity and quality on the ball.

“You could also play those two together. Hojbjerg can break up the play really well while Tielemans can provide that spark from midfield.

“If they can get him – because I know Man United and Arsenal are interested – it would be a great signing.”

Tottenham dropped to fifth in the Premier League following their disappointing stalemate against Brentford on Saturday (23 April).

Spurs and Tielemans face off on Sunday (1 May).

In other news, pundit claims Harry Winks could lead Tottenham exodus as new Antonio Conte transfer plan reported.