Sources: Tottenham senior star opens new contract talks after club U-turn

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

06 Jun 2020, 2:15 am

Tottenham have opened talks with Eric Dier over a new contract after a U-turn, Football Insider has learned.

The Spurs hierarchy had been initially willing to let the 26-year-old go this summer after a second consecutive mixed campaign.

But circumstances have changed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the club recognise it would cost a £30m-plus fee to replace Dier this summer.

A Tottenham source has told Football Insider that the club hierarchy have given the green light to keep Dier and are now working to extend his existing contract, which expires in the summer of 2021.

The England international's versatility is valued by Jose Mourinho and he is expected to be used at centre-back as well as his more usual defensive midfield role when the season resumes.

Football Insider revealed in April Tottenham were planning to open contract talks with the 26-year-old after previously giving him the green light to leave.

The club have been keen to avoid Dier entering the final year of his deal with his future unresolved.

The Christian Eriksen and Toby Alderweireld sagas were draining for the players, board and supporters, and there is a recognition that a repeat of those should be avoided.

Dier has much to do to restore the status that once made him a mainstay of the starting XI for club and country, including for most of Mauricio Pochettino's reign.

A combination of injuries, illness and mixed form has seen him drop down the pecking order over the last two years.

Dier has struggled for regular playing time this season, starting just 10 Premier League matches among 25 appearances in all competitions.

In other Tottenham news, Danny Mills has told Football Insider a mega-money Spurs signing has been told to find a new club.

Tottenham Hotspur