Tottenham don’t want to sell Eric Dier (Picture: Getty)

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has moved to play down speculation that Eric Dier could be heading for a transfer to Manchester United this summer.

The England international has emerged as one of Jose Mourinho’s prime targets in defensive midfield in this transfer window, along with Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic and Monaco ace Fabinho.

However, Dier looks to be out of reach for United amid recent reports that Spurs were determined not to sell unless they received £50million or more for the 23-year-old.

Pochettino has now reinforced that message with his response to questions over Dier’s possible move to Old Trafford.

Dier has been a key player for Spurs (Picture: Getty)

‘I think it’s a good thing for us that many clubs are talking about our players,’ the Argentine said. ‘It means that we have good players in the squad.

‘It’s different in the reality. Today there’s a lot of rumour in the media, a lot of stuff and things that happen. But it’s rumour, it’s nothing clear.

‘It’s another rumour. Many many rumours. I try to be honest always and today it’s so calm and Dier is our player.

Mauricio Pochettino has played down talk of Dier joining Man Utd (Picture: Getty)

‘I think he’s an important player for us and it’s not the idea to sell him.’

Jose Mourinho has been after a new midfielder this summer (Picture: Getty)

Pochettino has already lost key right-back Kyle Walker to Manchester City this summer, and also had to respond to Chelsea boss Antonio Conte expressing his admiration for Harry Kane.

When asked about Conte’s Kane comments, Pochettino said: ‘It made me laugh. I don’t know why so many managers are focused on our club.I like to show respect (to other clubs) but I expect the same from people who compete with us.’

Tottenham’s transfer window doesn’t seem to have gone to plan so far, with no new signings brought in yet despite their rivals around them all strengthening significantly with big-money signings.

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