Sources: Tottenham to open contract talks with star after U-turn, new role planned

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23 Apr 2020, 11:38 am

Tottenham are ready to open talks with Eric Dier over a new contract after a U-turn, Football Insider has learned.

The Spurs hierarchy had been willing to listen to offer for the long-serving 26-year-old this summer after a second consecutive mixed campaign.

A Tottenham source has told Football Insider that the club are keen to tie Dier down to a new deal to replace his existing contract, which expires in the summer of 2021.

The north Londoners recognise that it would cost well in excess of £30million to replace him, even if transfer fees significantly reduced as a result of football's changed economics.

Tottenham want to sort Dier's situation this summer and avoid a repeat of the draining Christian Eriksen and Toby Alderweireld sagas.

The England international was once a mainstay of the starting XI for club and country, including for most of Mauricio Pochettino's reign.

But a combination of injuries, illness and mixed form has seen a reduction in his status over the last 18 months.

Nevertheless, Mourinho is planning to give Dier the chance to make the centre-back position his own if and when the season resumes.

He has spent the majority of his career in a defensive midfield role but his club manager sees his future further back on the pitch.

The player himself has said that is his best position and the one where he feels most comfortable going forward.

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, it can be REVEALED that the club are in advanced talks to agree new deal after initial offer rejected.

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