Manchester United turned their attention to Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier, following the breakdown in talks with Chelsea over Nemanja Matic’s transfer.
Mourinho is a longtime admirer of the England international and would love to bring him to Old Trafford, while the player is keen to leave White Hart Lane in a search for more playing time. Tottenham does not need to sell, and Mauricio Pochettino highly values the versatile player who can play equally well as a defensive midfielder or center back.
However, the Argentinian tactician realized that he cannot play both Victor Wanyama and Dier in the midfield, and the Kenyan is his first choice, so the former Sporting Lisbon player is desperate for a bigger role. The 23-year-old is valued at £50 million, but Tottenham are expected to sell Kyle Walker to Manchester City, and they definitely don’t need the cash, so will do everything in their power to keep Dier and fend off the Red Devils interest.
Spurs already rejected an initial bid for Dier this summer, but Mourinho is convinced that an improved offer could do the trick. Eric doesn’t mind playing on the back line, but he prefers to play in the midfield, and that is why the potential move to Old Trafford sounds appealing to him as he would likely partner Paul Pogba in the middle of the park. Also, his current £75,000 per week salary could be doubled at United.
Manchester bought Romelu Lukaku who was also on Antonio Conte’s shortlist and Chelsea now seems reluctant to sell Nemanja Matic to the rivals. That’s why Mourinho will attempt to sign Dier, who recorded 46 appearances and scored two goals for Spurs last term. The money is not a problem for the “Special One”, but Tottenham’s determination to keep Dier at White Hart Lane could be a stumbling block.
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