Manchester United were determined to sign Eric Dier from Tottenham but appear to have given up.
The Serbian would be the defensive midfielder Jose Mourinho wanted his club to add, even if he was not the first choice name.
Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic in action with Hull City’s David Meyler
The Telegraph report Mourinho wanted Radja Nainggolan of Roma, and Tottenham’s Eric Dier, before turning his attention to Matic.
The deal is expected to cost United £40 million, with Matic considered expendable by Chelsea as they are set to add Tiemoue Bakayoko from AS Monaco.
Significant victory for Tottenham
Matic is a satisfactory addition for United, but it is even more significant for Tottenham Hotspur.
It is a figure United could afford to pay, but Tottenham have been reluctant to do business with United since the Dimitar Berbatov saga in 2008.
Tottenham’s Eric Dier looks to be staying put
HITC Sport wrote last week how Dier was worth so much more to Spurs because they cannot afford to start breaking up a side which has the potential to dominate English football.
Letting Dier go would have sent the wrong message out, to Tottenham’s fans and their players, and it appears Manchester United have given up and moved on.
Debate will rage over whether Matic or Dier is the superior option, but as far as Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is concerned, this is a major victory.
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