Tottenham Transfer News: Mauricio Pochettino Addresses Eric Dier Rumours

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has downplayed reports Eric Dier is unhappy with his role in the squad amid rumours both Chelsea and Bayern Munich are eyeing a move for the England international.

The Times (h/t The Sun's Matt Heath-Smith) reported the 22-year-old isn't satisfied with his role as backup midfielder behind Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele, and his cameo as a centre-back while Toby Alderweireld was out with an injury did little to change his mood.

But as reported by Tom Allnutt of the London Evening Standard, Pochettino claims Dier hasn't voiced his concerns:

"

I never hear from him that he wasn't happy.

When he was playing like a midfielder, centre-back, full-back, he has never come to say to me: 'I'm not happy to play in that position'.

We are talking about rumours so it's too difficult to say things.

Eric Dier, for me, he's 22 years old, he's a player that arrived as a 19-year-old here and after two years and a half, he has played more than 40 games every season

"

Dier arrived at White Hart Lane as a centre-back, but he was gradually moved into a midfield role and enjoyed much more success in his new position. Last season, he was one of the Premier League's best central men, resulting in a larger role with England's national team.

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According to Heath-Smith, England manager Gareth Southgate prefers to see Dier in midfield, and a lack of consistent minutes in that position isn't good news for his national-team chances.

On top of Dembele and Wanyama, 20-year-old Harry Winks has also emerged as a viable option in midfield, putting together a handful of solid performances. As shared by Squawka Football, he has already flashed his talent on the biggest stage:

Dier's biggest strength is his versatility, and it's likely what makes him so appealing to interested clubs. Bayern Munich were said to be interested during the summer, and these latest rumours must sound like music to their ears.

Likewise, his ability to switch between defence and midfield would make Dier a perfect fit for Antonio Conte's Chelsea, who could always use more centre-backs for their 3-4-3 formation. Dier could fill two roles for the Blues and even switch from midfield to defence in the middle of a match.

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Of course, Pochettino values this versatility as well, and he has no reasons for selling Dier unless the player becomes a problem. The sky is still the limit for Dier, who still has tremendous room to grow as a player.

Spurs have started the season well, and Pochettino has no reason to move on from Dembele or Wanyama at this point in time, but Dier will have plenty of opportunities to play, regardless. Injuries will occur over the course of a long season, and more often than not, he'll be the next man up.