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Pierre Emile H\u00f8jbjerg remains the club\u2019s key midfield target, despite links to Jo\u00e3o Palhinha.<\/p>\n As Newcastle United continue to look for ways to replace Bruno Guimar\u00e3es, attention remains fixed on H\u00f8jbjerg, with the Marseille and former Spurs midfielder now emerging as a key option.<\/p>\n Fabrizio Romano<\/a> reports today that the club is pushing to tie up a deal for the 31-year-old, stating that new boss Matthias Jaissle considers him to be a \u201cpriority target.\u201d<\/p>\n A deal for H\u00f8jbjerg could cost as little as \u00a313m, according to reports in Francee, which is important context if we can land \u00a315-\u00a320m for Joe Willock.<\/p>\n The story first broke a few days ago<\/u><\/a>, and since then, it’s felt like one the club are keen to wrap up to bring some much-needed leadership to the group.<\/p>\n After the Valencia match, a number of North East journalists also reported updates would happen in the coming days.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Mail’s Craig Hope stated we\u2019d hear news in \u201cthe next 72 hours\u201d, while Keith Downie said, \u201cI hopefully get an update tomorrow.\u201d Monday appears to be the first sign that these updates are starting to flow<\/p>\n \n \n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n With an experienced midfielder seen as the ideal replacement for Bruno, H\u00f8jbjerg is not the only name linked.\u00a0<\/p>\n Reports suggest that Joao Palhinha, who spent last season on loan at Spurs, was under consideration. However, reports today suggest that Aston Villa is looking to sign him.\u00a0<\/p>\n In fact, Director of Football for Villa Damian Vidagany even name-dropped Palhinha when speaking to Bild:\u00a0\u201cWe need a midfielder because Amadou Onana is out for the entire season – Joao Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans.\u201d\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n Newcastle United are still expected to sign at least three players this window, with a midfielder, a full-back and an attacker expected. For now, it looks like the club wants to bring in the midfielder on the cheap so they can spend the larger portion of the cash on the other two.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\nH\u00f8jbjerg deal close<\/h2>\n
Pierre, not Palhinha?\u00a0<\/h2>\n