Manchester United have been given huge encouragement in their pursuit of Eric Dier with the Tottenham midfielder keen on the idea of moving to Old Trafford, reports The Guardian.
Dier has been earmarked as Jose Mourinho’s main transfer target as he seeks a long-term replacement for Michael Carrick but this deal is far from straightforward given the notorious difficulties in negotiating with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.
The England international sees his future in central midfield but struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular in that position last season after mainly being used as a defender by Mauricio Pochettino.
Dier conceded during his time at Portuguese giants Sporting it would hard to turn down the chance to join United, who he supported as a boy, and the Red Devils are now seriously considering a second offer worth £50m, which was reportedly the asking price earlier in the summer.
Mourinho’s side would also comfortably be able to double Dier’s current £70,000-a-week wages, which Tottenham are reluctant on doing as they have set a maximum wage barrier of £100,000-a-week at the club.
Eric Dier: Only Toby Alderweireld (212) made more accurate long balls than Dier (187) of all outfielders in the Premier League last season pic.twitter.com/lhJV9qGAy4
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) July 11, 2017
While Tottenham are open to the idea of selling Kyle Walker, Levy has no interest in selling Dier this summer but could face a huge problem if he blocks United’s move. Tottenham would not be able to match Dier’s potential earning power at United without breaking the club’s strict wage structure.
Only Tottenham team-mate Toby Alderweireld (212) made more accurate long balls than Dier (187) of all outfielders in the Premier League last season.
For more stats on Eric Dier, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
