After the overpriced move of Tottenham Hotspur right-back Kyle Walker to Manchester City led to all kinds of criticism last week, reports have now emerged that the other Manchester outfit are planning a whopping £60 million for the North London’s star midfielder Eric Dier.
The English international has been a long-term target for Jose Mourinho since the season ended. Dier, 23, has seen phenomenal progress in the Premier League over the past two seasons following Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival and his consistency has interested many clubs. And United’s midfield crisis could be the perfect solution in the versatile midfielder.
After getting in Victor Lindelof from Benfica and Romelu Lukaku from Everton, which has already seen them splurging £100 million this summer, United are aiming to surpass their last summer’s transfer expenditure in hope for major silverware this season. And strengthening their midfield remains a priority this time, following their disappointing season last term.
The inconsistent displays of Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick and the midseason departure of Morgan Schneiderlin from the club has left the manager with few options in the middle of the park. Although Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera did well to hold the mast, they were clearly overstrained. And Mourinho needs a disciplined player who could provide the balance to his three-man midfield.
Dier’s versatile displays last season did prove his ability to do that. Pochettino had to repetitively force the player to play in the midfield and as the centre-half following the recurring injuries to Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen. And it could be safe to say that Dier’s contribution was by far the most significant in Spurs finishing as runner-ups last season.
The defence-minded midfielder has tremendous composure on the ball and his ability to read the game makes him an essential option to have in the squad. Tottenham are not expected to part ways with him under any condition whatsoever, who are also in the same competitions as United are, next season.
Dier played a crucial part in Pochettino’s three-man defence that changed to a four-man without too many hassles. The absence of Moussa Dembele due to injuries forced Dier to take the anchor role as and when needed, and he did it brilliantly. And the fact that he has played all the 36 games for Spurs with no injury hindrance makes him all the more valuable.
United have always had trouble getting players from the Lilywhites. For instance, when they got Carrick and Berbatov previously, Chairman Daniel Levy entirely open to negotiating a deal. The case might be similar with Dier.
