Exclusive: 'At £35m, how desperate are Tottenham?' - Ex-striker reacts to Times reveal

Noel Whelan claims that Southampton are "chancing their arm" with their valuation of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as Tottenham chase his capture.

The former Premier League striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, believes the Danish midfielder is worth around £20million this summer.

As revealed by Football Insider, Southampton know they are facing an uphill battle to keep the 24-year-old, whose contract runs out next year, at St Mary's this summer.

However, the Times report there is a £15million gap between the £20million that Spurs expected to pay and the £35million price tag on the midfielder's head.

Whelan believes the Lilywhites' valuation is about right and insists Southampton are taking a risk asking so much for him.

Whelan told Football Insider: "I think right now Southampton can ask that, depending on how desperate they are to bring this player in, but I think somewhere along the line there will be a deal that's met halfway.

"That's usually how deals are done - you start off a bit high and you end up getting what you want. I think £35million when a player who in seven months' time can sign a pre-contract with a team abroad, they could end up losing a player who could command around £20million.

"I think that's about right for the player, I really do. At £35million, they're chancing their arm a little bit to see how desperate Tottenham want him." 

Hojbjerg has played 129 times for Southampton since joining from Bayern Munich back in 2016.

The 33-cap star has 33 appearances under his belt for the Saints this season, with 28 of those coming in the Premier League.

In other Tottenham news, it can be REVEALED a Mourinho favourite is facing the axe ahead of the clash v Manchester United.