Lecce director Pantaleo Corvino has responded to claims of Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Morten Hjulmand by admitting that ‘big teams’ are chasing the youngest captain in Serie A, speaking to TV Play.
A player who arrived for less than 200,000 euros from Austrian football just two years ago, perhaps more than anyone else, epitomises everything good about this Lecce side.
A team who’s success is built upon a foundation of inspired, bargain signings. A fleet hard-working, up-and-coming youngsters carrying last season’s Serie B champions high and away from the relegation zone.
If Hjulmand does leave this summer, then at least Lecce will be able to wipe away the tears with a fistful of cash.
“I can’t deny the interest of the big teams,” says Corvino; the esteemed talentspotter enjoying an excellent second spell at the Stadio Via del Mare.
“But now we have to stay focused on the league. Now, the goal is the salvation, and we don’t want distractions.”
Tottenham Hotspur watching Morten Hjulmand
Lecce rejected an £11 million bid from Southampton in January, holding out for closer to £17 million. 23-year-old Hjulmand, capped by Denmark at youth level, may now have moved beyond the Saints reach, a la Cody Gakpo and Goncalo Ramos. Clubs higher up the food chain are taking an interest these days.
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According to Calciomercato, Tottenham have sent scouts to watch Hjulmand on several occasions of late. As have runaway Serie A leaders Napoli, and Bundesliga title challengers Borussia Dortmund.
Hjulmand, a tough-tackling defensive midfielder in the mould of compatriot Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, is the youngest skipper anywhere in Italy’s top-flight. He averages more tackles per game (2.7) than anyone currently in Antonio Conte’s squad. That includes Hojbjerg, Rodrigo Bentancur and the uber-aggressive Cristian Romero (WhoScored).
His 2.3 interceptions per game also dwarf those of Tottenham’s current crop.
“Certainly, Morten Hjulmand is the footballer who surprised me the most of all,” says former Lecce captain Remo Papini. “He has really big potential.
“I believe that, in the future, he can do very well even in leading competitions and on the international scene. Given his characteristics, I can see him doing well in English football.”
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