PIERRE-EMILE Hojbjerg has told World Cup winner Mario Gotze to join a Premier League side.

The 27-year-old's Borussia Dortmund contract runs out at the end of this season which will make him a free agent.

And Saints captain Hojbjerg, who played with Gotze at Bayern Munich, wants to see the playmaker move to England if his deal isn't extended by his current side.

Speaking to German outlet SPORT1, Hojbjerg said: “Mario has been one of the greatest talents I have ever played with. 

"He is a fantastic player, has always worked hard, also in the gym. 

"He’s very disciplined.

“I can recommend the Premier League to every player because it is the best league in the world.

“I think Mario would love it in England. 

"He is still a world-class player. I am sure that the League would love to have him here."

Gotze netted the winner for Germany in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final during extra time to seal a dramatic 1-0 win against Holland.

Although Hojbjerg would like to see him plying his trade in the Premier League, he warned his former teammate that he wouldn't go easy on him.

The Danish international added: “I would recommend him not to get too close to me in this case because I would take him hard. I apologise in advance.”