Tottenham make contact with potential Eric Dier replacement

FLORENCE, ITALY - MAY 28: Matias Vecino of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Pescara Calcio at Stadio Artemio Franchi on May 28, 2017 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
FLORENCE, ITALY - MAY 28: Matias Vecino of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Pescara Calcio at Stadio Artemio Franchi on May 28, 2017 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham have significant interest in Matias Vecino

It’s pretty evident that Tottenham don’t want to sell Eric Dier to Manchester United this summer. That doesn’t mean that Spurs are taking their defensive midfield for granted though. Instead, they are scouring Europe for potential replacements for the English international.

The latest name to be linked with the club is Fiorentina midfielder Matias Vecino. Reports from Italy go so far as to claim that representatives from Tottenham have recently contacted his agent. A move certainly isn’t imminent, but the story is worth watching.

The Uruguay international is a talent, but he is a bit older than Mauricio Pochettino generally prefers. At 25, he would immediately become one of the oldest outfield players in Poch’s matchday squad.

Of course, that doesn’t make him old. He’s still got plenty of prime years ahead of him. That’s precisely why he might be the right player to take a gamble on. In terms of style of play, he’d be a perfect fit for Pochettino.

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He primarily serves Fiorentina as a defensive midfielder, but he makes his way all over the pitch. Calling him a shield to the back line would be a disservice. He managed to chip in five goals and five assists on the season.

That versatility would allow him to form a solid partnership with either Mousa Dembele or Victor Wanyama at Tottenham. In the unlikely event that Dier leaves, another established player will need to be purchased to join that midfield rotation. Harry Winks will surely be involved, but reinforcements will be required at the demanding position.

Vecino certainly seems like the sort of player that would make sense. He’s at the right age to be considering a new challenge. Moving from Serie A to the Premier League would certainly qualify. Additionally, Spurs’ qualification for Champions League football also make them an attractive landing spot for European talent.

It’s even possible that Spurs would want to add a player like Vecino irrespective of what happens with Dier. In particular, Pochettino might be searching for defensive midfield cover instead of buying a new centre back. That could mean Dier is slated to join Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld in the back three again next season.

Next: Chelsea look to take advantage of Tottenham's hesitation

Matias Vecino fits the profile of a potential Spurs acquisition, but there’s no way to know how serious the club are about his service’s at the moment. He’s simply a name to keep an eye on in the future.