'They'll now open talks' - Exclusive: Spurs tipped to make 26-yr-old new deal move

Paul Robinson expects Tottenham to "now open talks" with Eric Dier over a new contract despite his underwhelming campaign.

The former White Hart Lane number one, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, suggested Jose Mourinho has been a long-time admirer of the 26-year-old.

Dier only has one year left on his current deal having signed his last contract extension under Mauricio Pochettino in September 2016.

Spurs will be keen to avoid the situations that have arisen with the likes of Jan Vertonghen and Danny Rose who can both leave on free transfers this summer.

Christian Eriksen was another allowed to run his contract down at the club and subsequently joined Inter Milan in January for a cut-price £16.9million fee.

When asked by Football Insider if the versatile defender is in line for a new deal in north London, Robinson said:

"It is a player that Jose seems to like. He tried to sign him when he was at Manchester United.

"At times this year, even when he has not played well, he has put him in the team and stuck with him whether it be in holding midfield or centre-half.

"He is a player Jose likes so I suspect they will now open contract talks with him entering the last year of his deal." 

Dier has made 25 appearances this season and has been utilised most recently by Mourinho as part of a back five.

The England international was in the spotlight earlier this season when he confronted a fan in the aftermath of the Lilywhites FA defeat at the hands of Norwich but faced no retrospective action.

In other Tottenham news, Mauricio Pochettino's stance on managing Newcastle United can be revealed.