Alex Crook shares ‘fascinating’ update on West Ham United interest in Eric Dier live on talkSPORT
Alex Crook has shared a “fascinating” update on West Ham United’s interest in Eric Dier, suggesting that the Tottenham defender may prefer a move abroad at the end of the season.
Reports emerged suggesting that the Hammers, as well as Sporting Lisbon, were interested in signing the 29-year-old during the January window, with Spurs willing to sell before his contract expires in the summer [ESPN, 2 January].
While talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Crook also believes the Irons are interested in signing the England international, he believes he may be keen to wait out his Spurs contract to instead move abroad at the end of the season.
Speaking on talkSPORT (3 January, 11:52) he said: “I think David Moyes is looking to strengthen that backline. Dier’s a fascinating situation because he was being actively touted around to Premier League clubs right at the end of the last transfer window.
“He wasn’t particularly keen to leave Spurs, he knows that his contract is coming to an end at the end of the season, and he’s free now to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs. I know there’s interest from his former club Sporting Lisbon.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Eric Dier just sits out his contract and then moves abroad at the end of the season. Spurs are willing to let him go, no question about that.”
Tough sell
West Ham want to sign a new centre-back this January and Dier certainly fits the bill. The England international has a wealth of Premier League experience, has played regularly for the national side and can fill, a variety of different positions.
While all of that ticks boxes for the Hammers, this deal will not even get up and running without Dier being keen on the switch to the London Stadium, especially as he holds all the power as he nears the end of his current Tottenham contract.
The opportunity to return to Sporting on a free transfer and pocket a nice big signing-on fee come the end of the season may be a much more attractive proposition for the 29-year-old and may harm the Irons’ chances of completing a deal.
It remains to be seen whether or not the Irons will even convert their interest into a genuine bid this January, but agreeing terms with Spurs might be a touch easier than getting Dier himself to sign on the dotted line.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are reportedly ready to shell out £13.8 million for a new striker signing this January