Manchester United have reignited their interest in Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Eric Dier. The English international was one of the prime targets of Jose Mourinho but Spurs’ strong denial forced him to move his attention to other prospects.
But since United announced their agreement with Everton for the transfer of Romelu Lukaku, the whole scenario has changed. Lukaku was supposed to be the star signing of Chelsea as Antonio Conte repeatedly told the club to hand him the Belgian striker anyhow.
There were reports of a strained relationship between Conte and the Chelsea hierarchy as the gaffer was not satisfied with the Blues’ pace of dealing with the transfers. But since then the West Londoners have sped up in the transfer market and have almost finalised deals for Tiemoue Bakayoko and Antonio Rudiger.
But the recent incidents have fired up the speculations once again. The gaffer who is yet to sign on the dotted line has demanded an explanation over the Lukaku transfer.
United were moving positively in their quest to land Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid but Madrid’s strict stand on the price of Morata forced United to change their thinking.
The Old Trafford outfit made Lukaku their number one priority and with Wayne Rooney reportedly moving to the other side it was relatively easy to convince them over a possible transfer.
Now with Lukaku set to don the Red Devils jersey next season, it would be next to impossible to strike a deal for Nemanja Matic. Matic is believed to be very keen on a reunion with Mourinho but it is very unlikely that Chelsea would let him leave.
Dier made his name prominently as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League currently but the arrival of Victor Wanyama has cast a shadow on his regular participation in first team action. Mauricio Pochettino has juggled him between midfield and defence last season.
With Wanyama’s presence on the side, it is now being understood that the ex-Southampton midfielder is set to be the preferred choice in the defensive midfield so Dier might be forced to play in the defence.
But Dier’s priority has been a place in the midfield as he was the first choice midfielder for the Three Lions in the European Championship. He runs the risk of losing his place in Southgate’s first team and hence might consider a move.
Daniel Levy is expected to play hardball but United are ready to force through a move by offering in excess of £50m and making him one of the most expensive midfielders in the world.
