Tottenham Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has said stories of holding midfield player Eric Dier being transferred this summer are just rumours.

Dier has been linked with Premier League rivals Manchester United. However, Pochettino assured fans the 23-year-old will stay at Tottenham, per Metro's Mark Brus: "It's another rumour. Many many rumours. I try to be honest always and today it's so calm and Dier is our player. I think he's an important player for us and it's not the idea to sell him."

Rumours tying Dier to a move to Old Trafford have been fairly consistent all summer. In fact, United boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly still "continuing his pursuit of the England international in a deal that could cost as much as £60m," per James Robson of the Manchester Evening News.

Robson called Dier Mourinho's "first choice" ahead of Chelsea's Nemanja Matic, while also noting "Dier is open to a move."

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Even so, Pochettino is right to talk up the importance of Dier. He has become an underrated fulcrum at the base of midfield, a player equally adept at protecting the Premier League's meanest defence as he is launching attacks from deep.

While Dier is a physical force and a tough tackler, he also boasts underrated quality on the ball. His passing technique has improved in recent seasons, making him the ideal deep-lying playmaker for Spurs' possession-based style.

Keeping Dier would ensure Pochettino's squad stays strong along the spine.

Tottenham's spine will remain stout as long as Dier is in front of a defence led by Toby Alderweireld. However, the Belgium international centre-back has revealed he has yet to discuss a new contract with Spurs, per Sky Sports News (h/t Andy Charles of SkySports.com).

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Charles noted how the skilled defender, who is under contract until 2019, said there has been no movement on fresh terms: "No news that I know of so nothing...zero."

Alderweireld's contract remains an issue after Gary Jacob of The Times (subscription required) reported back in May how the former Atletico Madrid ace demanded a release clause be put into any new deal.

What should worry Spurs is this isn't the first time Alderweireld has revealed there's been inactivity over striking a new contract with the north London club. He said the same to Sky Sports News HQ last month, per Lyall Thomas: "I'm still waiting for a contract proposal, but in my mind I'm playing for Spurs next season."

Pochettino should hope for a quick resolution to Alderweireld's long-term future at the club. The 28-year-old is the best defender in the squad.

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Alderweireld is quick on the deck, precise as a tackler and commanding in the air at both ends of the pitch. He has become the talisman at the back Spurs rely on.

Having Alderweireld and Dier around for the long haul would maintain the strong nucleus of quality players Pochettino has patiently assembled at Tottenham. It would also continue lending the squad the tactical flexibility to play four at the back or a back three.