By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

4th Aug, 2023 | 5:00pm

Sources: Pierre-Emile Hojberg set to agree 'surprise' Tottenham move

Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is closing in on a move to Atletico Madrid, sources have told Football Insider.

The 27-year-old’s potential exit will come as a surprise to some, considering his role as a favourite under previous Spurs managers Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

But Hojbjerg’s three-year affiliation with Tottenham looks set to end in the final month of the window if Atleti can complete the formalities of a deal.

The Denmark international has become a nailed-on starter for the Lilywhites in the last 12 months – starting in each of his 37 appearances in the 2022-23 campaign.

Hojbjerg’s potential exit will reduce the cover in Ange Postecoglou’s midfield even further – with Rodrigo Bentancur still out with a serious knee injury.

Yves Bissouma, who joined from Brighton last summer (2022), failed to live up to expectations in his first season at the club – making just 10 league starts.

Youngsters Oliver Skipp and Pape Matar Sarr are also set for a big role under Postecoglou.

Hojbjerg has racked up 145 appearances for Spurs since joining from Southampton in 2020 – notching 10 goals and 16 assists.

His contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which nets him a reported wage of £100,000-a-week, is set to expire in June 2025.

The 65-cap Denmark star has amassed 218 top-flight appearances during his time in England.

Spurs start their new season against Brentford next Sunday (13 August).

In other news, Tottenham accelerate centre-back move after deal agreed.