Pierre-Emile Højbjerg eyes January switch after turning down Newcastle deal

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg could be heading for a major January transfer just months after rejecting a move to Newcastle United.

The Denmark international was close to joining Newcastle during the summer after the Magpies reached an agreement with Marseille. Højbjerg ultimately rejected the move, reportedly leaving the French club frustrated enough to strip him of the captaincy.

Now AC Milan have emerged as a potential destination, and the former Tottenham midfielder is reportedly far more receptive to that possibility.

According to SpazioMilan, Højbjerg is considering his future at Marseille and views a move to Milan positively.

Rossoneri manager Ruben Amorim is said to be a strong admirer of the 31-year-old and believes his characteristics would suit the system he is building at San Siro.

Milan had already considered Højbjerg during the summer, but Newcastle moved ahead of them by reaching an agreement for his transfer.

The crucial issue was the midfielder himself.

St James’ Park is described as having been an “unwelcome destination” for Højbjerg, leading him to reject Newcastle despite the agreement between the clubs.

Milan, however, reportedly appeals considerably more to the Denmark international.

Marseille's financial position could also help Milan in January.

The French club reportedly remain under pressure to generate money from player sales, and their willingness to move Højbjerg on was already evident during the summer.

That could give Milan a “real chance” of completing a deal when the transfer window reopens.

Amorim's interest may prove particularly important. The Portuguese coach is said to have followed Højbjerg for some time and had already supported the idea of signing him during the previous window.

Milan reportedly see more than just tactical value in Højbjerg.

His experience with Tottenham, Marseille and Denmark could provide another leadership presence inside Amorim's dressing room.

The midfielder's physical qualities are also viewed as potentially useful for the high-energy approach Milan want to employ.

Whether Newcastle retain any interest is unclear. What appears more significant for now is that Højbjerg's position has changed regarding a transfer away from Marseille.

He rejected one major opportunity during the summer, but Milan could provide a destination he finds considerably harder to turn down in January.

Milan could explore a formal move when the January transfer window opens, particularly if Marseille remain willing to sell.

Højbjerg's stance will be crucial. Unlike Newcastle's summer approach, the prospect of joining Milan is reportedly attractive to him, potentially removing one of the biggest obstacles to a deal.