Tottenham Hotspur Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Eric Dier and Dele Alli

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has insisted midfielders Eric Dier and Dele Alli will both stay at the north London club, despite interest from some of the top teams in Europe.

The talented duo have been linked with big clubs such as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City recently, according to Michael Cantillon of Sky Sports. However, Pochettino has made it clear neither player is leaving, as both remain key to Tottenham's future, per Cantillon: "It makes no sense because it is impossible for anyone to sign them.  They are players who are in our plans today, tomorrow and for the future."

Pochettino also referenced both players extending their contracts earlier this year as one more reason to believe they will stay. Indeed, Cantillon noted how "Dier and Alli signed long-term contracts with the club in September, with the former signing a five-year deal and ex-MK Dons midfielder Alli committing to a new six-year contract."

Spurs need both players for the long haul. They've helped form the spine of an exciting and resourceful team on Pochettino's watch.

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Dier is particularly significant since he underpins midfield as a holding player. The England international brings balance to the team by screening the back four, as well as allowing more creative players greater freedom to express themselves in the final third.

Alli is one player who benefits from the work Dier does. The 20-year-old is an exceptional talent, one blessed with the vision and scoring knack to be a match-winner against any level of opposition.

Alli has become so important that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly placed a £100 million price tag on the gifted attacking midfielder, according to The Times (h/t Joel Watson of the Daily Star).

It's a price Spurs hope is hefty enough to ward off any interested parties. La Liga giants Real Madrid are said to be keen, per Oliver Todd of the Daily Mail.

Los Blancos have the spending power to tempt another one of Spurs' stars away from Tottenham. They spent a then-world-record fee to sign Gareth Bale in 2013.

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Spurs are wisely making certain they'll at least receive a similar fee if they are forced to part with one of their current stars. Yet their greater concern has to be remaining competitive enough to keep their key men.

It will mean at least finishing in the Premier League's top four and qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League.