EXCLUSIVE: Barcelona watch Spurs star ahead of shock summer swoop

Barcelona’s hierarchy have instructed their scouts to keep a close eye on Eric Dier, sources have informed TEAMtalk.

Dier was brilliant in England’s win over Spain in their recent Nations League clash, where he completely overshadowed his opposite number Sergio Busquets and set the tone for the game with a crunching tackle on Sergio Ramos, which earned the Tottenham man a yellow card.

Barca are worried about their cover in defence and defensive midfield and have already signalled their intent to try and strengthen their centre-half options when the transfer window opens in January. The LaLiga giants have Ajax’s Matthijs De Ligt, Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren and Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld all in their sights.

However, we have been told that there is a growing feeling at Barcelona that Dier could provide cover over both central defence and in centre midfield – and the club will now keep a close eye on the versatile star ahead of a potential summer swoop.

Dier began his career in Iberia, when he was with Sporting Lisbon before moving to Spurs – but Barca believe this shows the 24-year-old would likely be more than capable of settling comfortably into life in Spain.

Barca are now set to do their homework on Dier, who is contracted to Tottenham until the summer of 2021, with a view to possibly making a move next summer – though much will be dependent on whether they can land one of their other defensive targets first.

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