Tottenham have been encouraged in their interest for Southampton captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

The Daily Star says Tottenham have received a green light in their bid to snap up Hojbjerg from Southampton this summer.

The Denmark international is wanted by Jose Mourinho to bolster what has looked a threadbare midfield at times.

Prior to the coronavirus crisis, Spurs were hit by a number of injuries.

Their form was abysmal, failing to win in seven matches - including a 3-0 thrashing from RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

It highlighted the need for reinforcements, with the club, in truth, failing to find a replacement for Mousa Dembele, let alone Victor Wanyama - who have both left.

Mourinho is a fan of a sitting midfielder to hold base while his more attack-minded players can venture forward.

And he has earmarked Hojbjerg as the ideal man to take up the same position at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.