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Tottenham transfer news: How much do Manchester United need to bid for Eric Dier?

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 30: Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur and Kieran Gibbs of Arsenal battle for possession during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on April 30, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 30: Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur and Kieran Gibbs of Arsenal battle for possession during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on April 30, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham do not want to sell Eric Dier

Manchester United have made it clear that Tottenham star Eric Dier is one of their top transfer targets. It’s setting up to be one of the summer’s most interesting storylines. Tottenham don’t need to sell, but they may be open to moving Dier for the right price.

That begs the obvious question of how much Dier is really worth to Spurs. He’s clearly an important part of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. However, he was forced out of the midfield by Victor Wanyama this season. He still ended up playing a lot of football at centre back, but that positional confusion does complicate assigning him a proper transfer value.

Here’s what we do know: Dier is a 23-year-old England international who can boss the midfield. His combination of physical power and athleticism make him a handful for opponents. He may not be one of Tottenham’s top two defensive midfielders, but there’s no shame in playing behind Wanyama and Moussa Dembele.

Dier is also a serviceable centre back. It’s clear he’s a much better player in the midfield, but he played the majority of this season for Spurs as a central defender. Again, he’s not a Premier League star playing that far back, but his versatility has to add something to his value.

It’s being widely reported that Manchester United are willing to pay £40 million for the Spurs star. That’s certainly not an unreasonable amount for a full English international who has his best football still ahead of him.

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Whether or not Tottenham are willing to accept that price is an entirely different matter. Spurs’ valuation of Dier likely hinges on what role they see him playing moving forward. If they see him as Moussa Dembele’s natural successor in the double-pivot, then he becomes a very valuable asset. If they simply see him as a super sub who can provide cover in both the midfield and defense, then his value becomes somewhat depressed.

In the end, expect Spurs to at least discuss Dier with United given the £40 million starting bid. Tottenham would like to hold on to the physical Englishman, but they could be tempted by an outrageous transfer bid. Daniel Levy will at least give Jose Mourinho the chance to overpay for Dier this summer.

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In the end, I suspect Spurs see him as Dembele’s heir apparent. Given that fact, it’ll take a transfer bid of more than £50 million to get him out of North London. Bet on Dier staying put unless United elect to significantly increase their planned bid.

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