Newcastle United can make a "statement signing" this summer by landing Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, says Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a switch to the Tyneside club, and Downie thinks it would be a great move if it happens.

Would Tottenham sell Hojbjerg to Newcastle?

It seems unlikely. Hojbjerg has been a key player for Antonio Conte this season, playing 32 times in all competitions since the Italian's arrival back in November.

Nevertheless, it does look like Newcastle are interested in him, as the Daily Mirror has claimed that the £100,000-a-week Denmark international is high on Eddie Howe's shortlist.

According to them, the Magpies are preparing a £30m move for Hojbjerg as Howe looks to strengthen his midfield.

The 44-year-old has already brought Bruno Guimaraes to St James' Park after splashing out £40m plus on the Brazilian in the winter transfer window, but it appears that he will not stop there.

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What has Downie said about Hojbjerg to Newcastle?

Downie has told GIVEMESPORT that he would be surprised if Hojbjerg joined Newcastle this summer but thinks it would be a great signing.

Speaking to GMS, the Sky Sports journalist said: "I think that would be great. I mean, it'd be a statement signing for them to bring in an international player like that. He's been terrific for Denmark recently and for Spurs as well.

"I don't know what his contractual situation is actually with Spurs, but I'd be surprised if that one happened. I would say [Kalvin] Phillips would probably be a more workable deal for the club."

Who could Newcastle sign if they miss out on Hojbjerg?

As Downie has mentioned, Phillips looks like a much more realistic target than Hojbjerg for Newcastle.

Leeds United going down, which is very much a possibility, would make it easy to lure him away from Elland Road.

And, according to the Daily Mail, the England international also has a relegation release clause set at around £30m, which is peanuts for a club backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

The only problem, aside from Leeds staying up, would be rival interest, with the likes of Aston Villa and West Ham also thought to be keen. Still, even when taking that into account, acquiring Phillips still looks like less of a challenge compared to signing Hojbjerg.

Tottenham know that if they want to keep hold of Conte beyond this season, they have to strengthen their squad and not weaken it, so it would be a shock if they sanctioned the sale of a player valued so highly by the former Inter Milan manager.