Tottenham could have earned a huge windfall after including a sell-on clause as part of their deal to offload Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Tottenham Hotspur could have been set for a significant transfer boost in the January window, but Marseille's audacious demands may have scuppered their chances.
According to Italian publication Sportmediaset, Juventus are exploring the possibility of signing Pierre-Emile Højbjerg in January to strengthen their midfield options. Yet Marseille are understood to have placed a £52million valuation on the player.
The Serie A giants are reportedly furious at these demands, describing the asking price as "prohibitive." For the time being, Juventus appear to have abandoned their pursuit, meaning Tottenham will miss out on any potential financial benefit from the transaction.
Spurs have an eye on the winter market as an opportunity to strengthen their squad with new additions and any financial windfall would have been a major boost.
The Lilywhites have experienced a varied start under the guidance of Thomas Frank, who was appointed to bring some stability after finishing 17th in the Premier League last season under Ange Postecoglou. There's been considerable change at the north London club beyond the managerial position.
Daniel Levy's departure has triggered a reshuffle within the club's hierarchy, as the Lewis Family aim to elevate the club's status.
As the boardroom changes settle, the team currently sits ninth in the Premier League, still harbouring ambitions of a top-eight finish in the Champions League. The January transfer window could be pivotal to achieving this, especially with injuries affecting the Spurs squad and questions lingering over the quality available to Frank.
It's yet to be determined how much Frank might be given in terms of transfer funds, with potential departures likely before any arrivals. With this in mind, Tottenham were poised for a possible windfall that could have provided them with some much-needed revenue, thanks to a strategic move.
This came through a sell-on clause Tottenham had negotiated when Højbjerg departed for Marseille during the summer window. Spurs received approximately £17million for the Danish international once his loan spell became a permanent arrangement.
Frank's time at Tottenham may ultimately be judged by the quality of players available to him. The manager's long-term prospects depend on developing a squad that evolves alongside him, mirroring what north London rivals Arsenal have achieved under Mikel Arteta.
The comprehensive defeat in the derby highlighted the considerable work required, both tactically and in terms of recruitment, as expectations mount for Spurs to compete at elite level. Ahead of that fixture, Frank addressed questions about whether his squad could undergo a transformation comparable to Arsenal's.
He said: "I think it's natural. If I'm here in six years' time, it will be a completely different squad. It's just natural. Some will be sold, some will develop, some will maybe not develop as much as you want to. So, I think that's a natural thing.
"It's not like I'm going to say and take my decision on him and him needing to leave now, but of course, during the Spring we'll look into that, which is natural in terms of developing a squad."