NEWCASTLE target Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been stripped of his Marseille captaincy after turning down a move back to England.
The Magpies made a push to sign the 31-year-old midfielder last week after losing Bruno Guimaraes in a £75million move to Arsenal.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been stripped of his Marseille captaincy Credit: AFP
The decision was allegedly made by the club’s owners Credit: Shutterstock
Marseille wanted just £15m for Hojbjerg – but he rejected the move.
Hojbjerg’s decision has reportedly left club owner Frank McCourt furious.
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The Dane has even had his captaincy stripped.
Hojbjerg was in the starting line-up for Marseille ahead of their friendly against Atletico Madrid on Friday – but the armband was instead handed to Timothy Weah.
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After the match – which ended 2-1 to Atletico – head coach Bruno Genesio was asked about the decision to change the captaincy but insisted it was not down to him.
He explained: “It’s a decision that was dictated to me by the club’s management.
“If I want to be completely frank it’s not a decision that I agree with.”
Hojbjerg played the full 90 minutes against Atletico on Friday.
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With a move to Newcastle seemingly out of the question, AC Milan are also understood to be interested in the midfielder.
Hojbjerg joined Marseille from Tottenham last summer when his loan was made permanent.
The Denmark international has since made 75 appearances.
