Manchester United Transfer News: Eric Dier Targeted, Michael Carrick Rumours

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly eager to sign Tottenham Hotspur's Eric Dier as a successor for central midfielder Michael Carrick in the summer. 

According to Neil Ashton in The Sun, the Portuguese manager has long been interested in Dier, 23, who is valued at over £40 million by Spurs.

BBC News' Neil Henderson provided The Sun's back-page splash reporting the story:

Mourinho believes the Sporting Lisbon youth graduate could be "the perfect replacement" for Carrick, who continues to be instrumental in United's engine room but is now 35 and nearing the end of his career, added Ashton.

Dier has actually played most of the 2016-17 season under manager Mauricio Pochettino as a centre-back, but his natural position is as a defensive midfielder, and it was in that role that he enjoyed his breakout campaign with Tottenham in 2015-16.

Mourinho likely admires his versatility, as well as his defensive acumen, which could make him a perfect foil for Paul Pogba as part of United's central partnership. 

Per Ashton, the potential of "doing business with Tottenham is fraught with complications." And it will certainly be a challenge for United to sign Dier.

Pochettino previously insisted Dier's future lies at White Hart Lane:

The England international has a contract with the north London club that runs to 2021, only signed last September, and Spurs are unlikely to be willing to let one of their most talented young players leave the club.

Even if they were open to letting Dier go, Spurs would surely be loath to sell him to a direct Premier League rival.

But United need a long-term replacement for Carrick to act as the anchor to their midfield and dictate play from deep.

Dier is still inexperienced, but he has all the attributes to fulfil that role for Mourinho, and if United are intent on signing him they will be able to make an offer Spurs may find it difficult to turn down.