Dier still ‘desperate’ to be a Red

BOSS WAS DECIDING FACTOR /PAGE 46&47

ERIC Dier is undeterred by Tottenham’s insistence he is not for sale and remains keen to sign for Manchester United.

M.E.N. Sport revealed last week the 23-year-old midfielder is ‘desperate’ to join United after Jose Mourinho identified him as one of the options to bolster the squad’s midfield.

It is unclear if Dier has informed Spurs of his desire to leave the Premier League runners-up and the North London club remain adamant they will not sell the England international.

United’s targets Dier, Nemanja Matic and Ivan Perisic all want to move to Old Trafford but are unlikely to submit formal transfer requests since they would risk missing out on loyalty bonuses. Such a public statement would also damage their relationship with the club’s fans and possibly their teammates.

Dier returned to Spurs training last week and travelled with their pre-season tour squad to Florida on Wednesday.

United are monitoring their left-back Danny Rose with a view to a possible bid next summer if Luke Shaw fails to make the position his own. The upheaval at Spurs could continue with Dele Alli understood to be open to leaving the club next year.

Dier, who is contracted to the club until 2021, could command a £60m fee but earns £70,000 a week and would double his wages at United.

Boyhood United supporter Dier grew up idolising Roy Keane and then Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand as he began his professional career as a centre-back.