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Manchester United have already spent heavily this summer to bring Romelu Lukaku and Victor Lindelof to Old Trafford but Jose Mourinho is ready to splash the cash once again.
The Red Devils are keen on signing a defensive-minded midfielder to slot into their side, which would allow Paul Pogba and Player of the Year Ander Herrera more freedom in attack- which should significantly improve Mourinho’s side.
Manchester United have been linked with Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic and Monaco ace Tiemoue Bakayoko but Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier is their priority signing, with The Guardian reporting the boyhood United fan is keen on a transfer.
A fresh approach of £50m is rumoured to be in the works but Manchester United may have to part with an even higher figure, as Tottenham don’t want to sell and Daniel Levy is renowned for being a difficult man to deal with in the transfer window.
Where does a deal stand?
Unfortunately for Manchester United, the early indications are not good. Manchester United made an approach earlier in the season, which came with a bid under instruction from Jose Mourinho, but Levy immediately rejected the approach- and insisted he won’t be selling Dier this summer.
The fact that Dier is open to a move will give Manchester United hope though and Spurs may struggle to keep hold of the England international if he seeks an exit, particularly as the Red Devils can easily double the midfielder’s current £70k-a-week wages.
Dier has also faced problems securing regular opportunities at White Hart Lane during the past 12 months, with the signing of Victor Wanyama last summer dethroning the 23-year-old as Spurs’ first-choice defensive midfielder.
Can Spurs fend off interest?
Tottenham will likely fight tooth and nail to keep hold of Dier but they may struggle to retain the services of the England ace as there is still a long way to go in the transfer window- especially as Manchester United’s approach will likely lead to Dier seeking assurances.
Dier will want regular football ahead of the World Cup next summer, as he battles for a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, and may demand an increase in wages. However, breaking the £100k-a-week threshold would shatter the Lilywhites wage structure and may lead to further demands from other players.
In all honesty, Dier is probably the most expendable player within Tottenham’s squad, amongst those attracting interest from big sides, and they’d be able to cope with his departure, whereas they’d find it difficult to replace Harry Kane, Dele Alli and company.
