Mourinho eyeing new deal for Tottenham star; reveals key squad concern

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says he is hopeful the club can agree on a new contract for England international Eric Dier.

Mourinho says both the club, led by chairman Daniel Levy, and the player are keen to reach an agreement.

Dier’s current deal with Spurs expires at the end of next season.

He has has become key under Mourinho, excelling in defence since the Premier League’s resumption.

“My boss Mr Levy tells me that he wants Eric to sign a new contract and Eric tells me that he’s more than happy here, more than happy with his situation, especially now that he feels we have a certain idea for him and the deal,” the Portuguese said.

“And he tells me also that he wants very much to stay.

“So I hope that we can find an agreement because I’m trying to take the team in a certain direction and when I try to develop a player in the team it’s because I’m waiting for a player to stay with us.”

Meanwhile, the FA are yet to make a decision after charging Dier with misconduct in March.

The 26-year-old jumped into the crowd shortly after full time in the FA Cup last-16 tie with Norwich.

 

The FA are still reviewing the case, but Mourinho says he expects Dier to get away without any punishment if the standard has been set by Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi escaping action for grabbing Brighton striker Neal Maupay around the neck.

“I think they made a decision when Guendouzi grabbed the other guy by his neck,” Mourinho said.

“The decision was made in that moment. “What else can I expect?”

MOURINHO REVEALS RIGHT-BACK CONERN

Jose Mourinho Tottenham TEAMtalk

Elsewhere, Mourinho confirmed Spurs have had to get creative with their options at right-back.

Serge Aurier is the only option for the role, with Juan Foyth and Japhet Tanganga injured.

“Yes. We don’t have Japhet and Foyth, which is a boy who played there with Argentina and under Mauricio a few times,” Mourinho said.

“The right-back position is not available so I’d yes it’s where are a little bit more in trouble. In training we did sometimes [Oliver] Skipp, we did sometimes Gedson [Fernandes].

“We know we can also do Toby [Alderweireld] because a few years ago he used to do that sometimes with Atletico Madrid, and Southampton I think he did sometimes a couple of times.

“So in emergency situations here we go. Even Moussa Sissoko did it already too. So yes it’s the position we don’t have a second body.”

Spurs face Sheffield United on Thursday in their continued hunt for Champions League football next term.