Mourinho has made it clear to the higher-ups at Manchester United that he needs a defensive midfielder. For much of the summer so far, gossip columns have linked the Red Devils with several players in this mould. The list includes Fabinho, Monaco's all-action superstar-in-waiting. At the beginning of the transfer window it appeared it was a matter of time before the Brazilian ended up at Old Trafford. Now it seems like the move is all but dead. Mourinho has highlighted Chelsea enforcer Nemanja Matic and Eric Dier as potential alternatives.
Matic deal floundering
The move for Matic would make sense—at 29, he needs to be playing first team football and is unlikely to get it at Chelsea under Conte. The problem is possibly connected to United's acquisition of Lukaku. Chelsea had identified the Belgian as a major target and selling their rivals a player who would make them even stronger will not appeal.
The focus moves to Dier
All of which makes Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier the new principal target for Mourinho's side. Certainly the young Englishman has all of the talents to make it at most top clubs. When he was moved into a defensive midfield role two seasons ago, he took many observers by surprise. His passing range combined with his defensive ability make him a superb fit for the position. Dier's versatility is a major plus-point too—and why Mauricio Pochettino values him so highly.
As it stands, Dier might be the easiest player for United to acquire. According to the Guardian, United are willing to offer double his current wages—thought to be around £70,000 per week. Considering Tottenham Chairman has already knocked back a bid and stated Dier is not for sale, turning the player's head may be United's only strategy. Certainly Tottenham could not match the wage offer, and Victor Wanyama is considered first choice for the midfield position Dier prefers.
Time pressure
As it stands, much will depend on other business being done in the transfer market. Spurs have indicated they would be willing to sell just one of their first-team players this summer—most likely Kyle Walker. The news that Manchester City have missed out on Dani Alves adds a new dimension to the issue. Pep Guardiola now desperately needs to sign a top class right back, and might consider stumping up for Walker regardless of the asking price. The Citizens will be very keen to get the business done quickly, too. If that sale goes through before United can make their move for Eric Dier, the deal may be dead on arrival.
Although the link is established, any deal for Eric Dier will be difficult for United to complete. Daniel Levy gouged them for £30 million in the Dimitar Berbatov deal almost a decade ago, and is likely to be just as determined this time round. Not least because circumstances have changed—Tottenham are a much improved outfit since then and are hugely reluctant to sell to a rival. Unless something changes elsewhere, this transfer rumour may rumble on for a few weeks.
Photo by Ben Sutherland
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