Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier as Jose Mourinho desperately wants to add a midfielder for the upcoming season. The England international’s rising form hasn’t gone unnoticed but it would be very hard to convince Spurs to let go one of their most key players.
Dier has established himself as one of the most accomplished and versatile midfielders in the Premier League. The English international arrived at Spurs in 2014 and since then has been simply irreplaceable in this North London side.
Dier has taken himself to a different level under the tutelage of Mauricio Pochettino as the Argentine has used him both as a defender and midfielder and he has passed both the tests with flying colours.
United firmly believe that if they put a good offer for the 23-year-old they would be able to strike a deal. The midfielder signed a new contract in last September worth around £70,000 a week but if he decides to make a move he could earn a much more lucrative salary at the Old Trafford.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has inflicted a strict regime when it comes to paying wages. Only a handful of players including the likes of Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane has broken the barrier as Spurs had the fear of losing them. Levy is destined to play hardball over the transfer of Dier if United is genuinely interested in the player.
The Red Devils have been given a hint that they will have to shell in the region of £50m to start the negotiations for the player. Manchester United have been linked with a number of midfielders with the likes of Nemanja Matic and Fabinho but haven’t been able to establish anything concrete so far.
Mourinho is adamant to bring a midfielder who could emulate the role of Michael Carrick. The veteran midfielder has been one of the most underrated midfielders of this decade and has dutifully played his role last season. He has been handed a new contract but his growing age could be a problem to keep up with the high-octane of English football.
With the current inflated transfer market, £50m might sound reasonable for a player who has been pretty consistent for the last few years. Dier has also proved his credentials in the Three Lions colours which makes him even more valuable. United spent almost £90m for Pogba in the last summer and compared to him Dier wouldn’t be that costly.
