Manchester United Reportedly End Eric Dier Pursuit After Spurs Unwilling to Sell

Manchester United have reportedly pulled out of the running to sign Eric Dier from Tottenham Hotspur, as the club are not prepared to let him go this summer. 

According to the Mirror, Dier was manager Jose Mourinho's top defensive-midfield target, a position he is "desperate" to strengthen ahead of the new season.

However, the Lilywhites are "unwilling to sell," and so they will be forced to look elsewhere.

Bleacher Report's Nick Akerman believed Dier would have made for a useful addition to the squad:

Indeed, while he may not be the most exciting player United could recruit to star alongside Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera, the 23-year-old is a strong and versatile operator.

His ability to fill in ably at centre-back is an impressive feather in his cap, he has continental experience having come through the ranks at Sporting Lisbon—which is rare for an English player—before going on to enjoy a key role in Mauricio Pochettino's revolution at White Hart Lane.

Dier is not only a robust ball-winner, his distribution is also becoming an important facet of his game, per WhoScored.com:

As illustrated by Squawka Football, the majority of those passes are forward rather than simply side-to-side:

"

73% in the Premier League last season.

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 12, 2017"

Spurs evidently recognise the qualities he brings given their reluctance to let him join a direct rival.

As such, it seems United will have to consider other targets this summer. It's imperative they sign another midfielder, but it is looking increasingly unlikely that it will be Dier.