Speaking at his mid-season press conference at the Stade Vélodrome on Thursday afternoon, Marseille president Pablo Longoria has closed the door on any potential departure for Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (30). La Gazzetta dello Sportreported last week that the former Tottenham midfielder has emerged as a key target for Juventus, but that OM nor De Zerbi were keen to part ways with Højbjerg this January.
“There is no discussion. We have a firm stance; we will not let any important players leave our team. There is nothing and there is no possibility that Pierre could leave. I am closing the door completely,” said Longoria on Thursday afternoon, transcribed by Get French Football News.
Reports in Italy suggested that that Juventus were hoping to tempt OM with a swap deal for midfielder Manuel Locatelli, who De Zerbi had previously worked with at Sassuolo and is a strong admirer. The Italian midfielder has already been strongly linked in the past to the Ligue 1 club.
GFFN | George Boxall