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Eric Dier: Agbonlahor hits out as Tottenham open talks over new defender deal
Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Eric Dier is only good enough to be a back-up for Tottenham as he advances on new contract talks.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 29-year-old can’t take Spurs “where they want to go” in the future.
Sources told this site on Sunday (26 February) that Tottenham are keen to wrap up a two-year contract extension for defender Dier.
The England international’s current contract expires in 2024, and Spurs have opened talks with the defender to extend his stay until 2026.
Dier has appeared in all but one Premier League match for Tottenham this season.
The former Sporting CP star has made 349 appearances for the club since signing for the north London club almost 10 years ago.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I do like Dier.
“But if Spurs really want to challenge for the Premier League and play in the Champions League year-in, year-out – he just isn’t the defender they need.
“He’s a certain level – and that applies for England too. England won’t win anything with him playing.
“He’s a decent Premier League option who would be good as a back-up. But he’s not got the pace to be a top-four player, I can tell you that for sure.
“Dier can’t take Spurs where they want to go.”
Tottenham sit fourth in the Premier League but have played two more games than fifth-place Newcastle.
Spurs trail 1-0 at the halfway point of their Champions League Round of 16 tie against AC Milan.
In other news, Football Insider updates as consortium take concrete steps to buy Tottenham.