OPINION
Tottenham ace Eric Dier could be the casualty in the starting line-up if the north London club can sign their reported target Davinson Sanchez this summer from Ajax.
Dier has become a mainstay in the Spurs side and is regarded as a big favourite of manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The 23-year-old rarely misses a game and his versatility of playing at either centre-back or as a defensive midfielder often earns him a place in the starting XI.
However, his place could come under threat in the side during the new season if Spurs land highly-rated talent Sanchez.
The Mail claim that Spurs will hold talks with Dutch side Ajax about their defender Sanchez.
It is understood that they have proposed an initial £28million offer for the centre-back and the player is keen on a move to the Premier League after speaking to the manager Pochettino.
The report details that Ajax value the Colombia international at £40million and will try get every last penny out of Spurs’ representatives.
Sanchez is an extremely talented defender and at 21 has real potential to become one of the world’s best.
The ball-playing centre-back showed his class in the Europa League final against Manchester United and it would be a real statement of intent by Spurs if they sign him.
He looks like he could be a perfect fit in Spurs’ back three and play alongside Belgian pair Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertognhen.
It is very unlikely that Dier could dislodge any of those individuals as defenders and could revert to his more common defensive midfield role.
However, once again he will face such tough competition as Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele are the preferred midfield combination for most fans.
Dier is sure to remain an important member of the Spurs squad, but it seems like he will face a real struggle cement a permanent position in the starting XI.
The England international will want to be playing regular football ahead of the 2018 World Cup and may need to pick just one position to specialise in.