Tottenham are already eyeing the next Eric Dier: West Ham should worry

Eric Dier is still squarely in his prime as a football player, but Tottenham are already investigating a move for his long-term replacement.

Tottenham didn’t invest in their squad during the summer, but they may be very active in the transfer market in January. Specifically, Spurs look to be shopping for midfield reinforcements. Mauricio Pochettino may not have to look very far for his next young, English midfield engine.

Reports emanating from London claim that Tottenham are looking to take advantage of Declan Rice’s contract impasse with West Ham. The 19-year-old is only making £3,000 per week with the Hammers currently. If the club don’t drastically improve his wages soon, he’s eligible to leave West Ham on a free transfer next year.

It’s difficult to examine Rice as a player and not immediately think of Eric Dier. The current Tottenham star first broke into Spurs’ first team as a defender. He gradually showed Pochettino and company that his home was in the midfield, but his ability to toggle back and forth between both spots gives Tottenham’s squad a great deal of flexibility.

Rice has already made the transition to the defensive midfield at West Ham, but he’s got experience playing centre back too. In fact, that might be where Spurs would prefer to play him. Pochettino would love to play two central defenders who can dribble and pass like midfielders. The recent emergence of Juan Foyth lessens Spurs’ need to add a centre back in January though.

Ironically, that means Rice has a chance to displace Dier in Tottenham’s squad. Dier’s play just hasn’t been as good this season or last as it was previously. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why his play has fallen off, but he just can’t rule the midfield like he did when he first broke into the first team.

In the short-term, it’s much more likely Spurs are looking at Rice to take Mousa Dembele’s place in the squad. His best games occur when he serves as a shield for the back four. He can’t carry the ball forward like Dembele does at his best, but he’s a more solid defender. That will certainly appeal to Pochettino.

The central question here is whether or not West Ham will let Rice get away. It could be a serious mistake if they let him leave anytime soon. Allowing him to depart for Tottenham would only rub more salt in the wound of losing a talented, homegrown player.