Tottenham eyeing potential Dier or Alderweireld replacement

By Rucker Haringey | Apr 19, 2017

NORWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Toby Alderweireld (L) and Eric Dier (R) of Tottenham Hotspur are seen prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Norwich City and Tottenham Hotspur at Carrow Road on February 2, 2016 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /

Tottenham won’t be caught unprepared

Mauricio Pochettino fully expects some roster turnover at Tottenham this summer. His ideal plans do not include parting with either Eric Dier or Toby Alderweireld. That doesn’t mean the club aren’t preparing for the worst though. Spurs are contemplating a summer bid for Burnley defender Michael Keane just in case.

Reports from England claim that Pochettino and company are running the rule over the England international. Burnley would prefer to hold on to their most talented player, but £30 million would force them into a sale. That’s a very reasonable price for a centre back of Keane’s quality and experience.

At the moment, Spurs don’t have a pressing need for another central defender. They could stand to add another prospect in the pipeline, but Keane doesn’t fit that description. He’s the finished article. Keane won’t move to a club where he can’t expect significant playing time.

Tottenham currently have three excellent central defenders in the form of Jan Vertonghen, Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld. Unfortunately, two of those three stars are being linked with moves away from White Hart Lane today.

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Firstly, rumours connecting Dier with a move to Manchester United continue to persist. Jose Mourinho admires his toughness and is willing to play him exclusively in the midfield. That’s a promise that Pochettino isn’t willing to make. It’s not likely, but it is possible, that such promises could turn Dier’s head. If that happens, Spurs would likely be willing to accept a bid in the neighborhood of £40 million for the versatile star.

The club would be even more distressed to lose Alderweireld. He still hasn’t signed a new contract with the club and that’s beginning to become a little bit of a concern. If his negotiations stretch too far into the summer, the club might consider selling him for a small fortune. Again, that’s not the most likely scenario, but it’s not entirely impossible.

That’s precisely why Spurs are keeping a close eye on Keane’s status. He could represent a competent replacement for either man in the club’s back three or four. The fact that the club could turn a transfer profit in the process shouldn’t be overlooked either.

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Tottenham don’t want to lose Eric Dier or Toby Alderweireld this summer, but they won’t be caught unprepared if disaster strikes. Michael Keane represents an excellent potential recovery plan for Pochettino and company.

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