Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier emerged as a surprise transfer target for Manchester United, as manager Jose Mourinho has made it a priority to sign the former Sporting CP midfielder before the start of the pre-season tour. However, according to The Telegraph, United are shocked by Tottenham’s £50million evaluation on the player, who was instrumental to Tottenham’s success in the 2016-17 season. The midfielder came up with impressive performances not only in the centre of the park, but he was also able to play in other areas of the pitch to cope with a tight campaign.

Jose Mourinho is understood to be impressed by the 23-year-old’s versatility so much so that he has been made as the primary target regard for the summer, now that we have signed Victor Lindelof from Benfica. Mourinho also sees Dier as the long-term replacement for Michael Carrick.

The England international signed a one-year contract extension, but United know that it may very well be his last year with the club. At 34 years of age, he does not have a long time left in the game. As a result, search is already on for his replacement.

Carrick was effectively able to take over the defensive midfield duties from Paul Scholes, when the legend was nearing the end of his career. Manchester United are eyeing a deal for Eric Dier in order to provide a similar smooth transition for the next defensive stalwart at the club. However, Spurs remain in a very strong position as far as negotiating any transfer fees as the player’s current deal with Tottenham runs until 2021. So United will struggle to do anything apart from agreeing to the transfer valuation.

Last season, Eric Dier made 36 appearances in the league and managed to come up with 2 goals. With so many years left on his contract and looking at the quality of the player and considering that he is English, the £50million valuation kind of seems okay but I believe that any amount between £35-40million would be quite reasonable.