Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho already has solution to summer transfer issue
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly had his budget for the summer window slashed.
Tottenham: Mourinho may not be able to buy players says pundit
Tottenham are expected to be chasing a new centre-back in the transfer window with Jan Vertonghen likely to leave at the end of his contract, but Danny Mills believes Jose Mourinho already has an alternative option in the squad. Tottenham, like every other Premier League club, are unlikely to be able to afford big-money transfers due to the financial impact caused by the coronavirus.
That means Mourinho will have to alter his transfer plans, with reports suggesting Daniel Levy will only sanction swap deals or loan moves.
For Mourinho though, signing a centre-back will still be a top priority given Vertonghen's likely departure.
The 33-year-old has been an ever-present in Tottenham's starting line-up over the years and this current season he has started 18 Premier League games.
His ability to play across the backline and on the left side of defence has meant he has been a useful asset for Mourinho in his first season in charge.
JUST IN: Tottenham to receive £12.5m if Newcastle appoint Mauricio Pochettino
But with Vertonghen leaving, Mourinho will be short of options at the back with Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld the only experienced options.
Japhet Tanganga and Juan Foyth are seen as future talents for Spurs, but Mourinho has a track record of preferring older players going forward.
Tottenham have been linked with a number of centre-back options, but Mills believes Mourinho might not even have to dip into the transfer market in order to solve his problem.
DON'T MISS
Tottenham sensation Japhet Tanganga opens up on lockdown life
Arsenal face Upamecano transfer threat from two Premier League rivals
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho forced to alter summer transfer plans
Eric Dier has previously played at the heart of defence for Tottenham throughout his career and Mills suggests the 26-year-old can fill in when needed.
“It benefits him that he is a utility player,” he told Football Insider.
“He has experience in those positions.
“That is a big bonus for him and sometimes you need squad players.
“You need a player like Dier in and around the squad.
“If they are going to lose Vertonghen, without a shadow of a doubt, you need somebody that can slot in when and needs be.
“He does not seem like the sort of player that causes issues, so there is no reason why you would not want to keep hold of a player of that calibre.
“Inevitably he will be a squad player and play 20 odd games a season and he will benefit from Mourinho liking to play defensively.”