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Tottenham should ask Manchester United for more than cash to sign Eric Dier

By Rucker Haringey

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City and Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur at The King Power Stadium on May 18, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City and Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur at The King Power Stadium on May 18, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham should ask for players and dollars

There’s no doubt that Eric Dier is a quality player who Mauricio Pochettino and Tottenham depend upon to patrol the midfield. That doesn’t mean he’s untouchable though. Spurs have a unique opportunity to make Manchester United look foolish in the transfer market by accepting their latest offer for the English midfielder.

Reports from England claim that Jose Mourinho is desperate to add Dier to his own midfield mix. He’s so obsessed with adding the Spurs star that he’s encouraged Ed Woodward to bid up to £60 million pounds to bring him to Old Trafford. Even in the current transfer marker that represents a massive cash offer.

In fairness, United have the cash to make this sort of purchase without missing a beat. That’s precisely why Pochettino should insist that Mourinho offer more than money to complete the deal. Instead, Spurs should require the Red Devils to part with significant young talent to complete the transaction.

If I were Pochettino, I’d open negotiations by asking that Anthony Martial be sent to White Hart Lane. He’s just the sort of high-end, versatile attacker that could unlock the Tottenham attack. The Frenchman certainly isn’t loving life under Mourinho. It’s quite possible the Special One would be happy to see him go.

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Of course, the demands shouldn’t end there. Instead, Tottenham should be looking for a young defender as well. Either Timothy Fosu-Mensah or Axel Tuanzebe would be my top choices. Both men are close to making a real impact on United’s first team and would add valuable depth to the Spurs defense. In particular, Fosu-Mensah seems an ideal fit for the way Pochettino likes his defense to play. His aggression would be a welcome addition in North London.

The addition of those two young players should be enough to bring Daniel Levy to the negotiating table. Cash should still be an important part of the deal though. Spurs could still be looking for a transfer fee in excess of £20 million to finish the deal off.

For those of you keeping score, that would allow Tottenham to turn Eric Dier into Anthony Martial, Timothy Fosu-Mensah or Axel Tuanzebe and £20 million in cash. Undoubtedly Manchester United fans reading this piece are screaming that price is too high. It’s quite possible you’re right.

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That doesn’t mean Spurs shouldn’t ask United to meet their demands though. It’s clear United and Mourinho are desperate to add Dier this summer. Every time Tottenham say he isn’t for sale, United come back with a bigger offer. Spurs should give them enough rope to hang themselves.

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