Manuel Neuer reveals delight at Eric Dier's potential Bayern Munich move
- Bayern Munich eyeing Eric Dier in search for new defender
- England international is reported to have agreed personal terms with Tottenham contract up in summer
- Manuel Neuer would welcome signing of Dier
By Sean Walsh
Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer has thrown his support behind the club's pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Eric Dier.
The German champions are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements during the January transfer window. They are said to have identified Dier, who is also capable of playing in midfield as a target.
Reports from Germany last week claimed Dier had agreed personal terms with Bayern, who are still considering which target to pursue this month. The 29-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season and he can agree a pre-contract move for the 2024/25 campaign, while Bayern would have to pay Tottenham a nominal fee to sign him immediately.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel was tight-lipped when recently asked about the club's pursuit of Dier, but goalkeeper Neuer was more open with regards to speculation in an interview with Sky Sports Germany.
"The name definitely sounds good, that's for sure," Neuer said of Bayern's interest in Dier. "The people in charge will explore the market, we are completely relaxed about it."
Dier has played only 198 minutes of football all season, though Tottenham have conceded eight goals during his limited game time. Full-backs Ben Davies and Emerson Royal have been preferred over him at centre-back during Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven's absences.
He was omitted from the matchday squad for Friday's 1-0 win at home to Burnley in the third round of the FA Cup, though head coach Ange Postecoglou stressed Dier had picked up a knock in training and his decision was not transfer related.
Tottenham are currently in talks with Genoa over a deal for Radu Dragusin, though reports from his native Romania suggest he is also on Bayern's list of defensive targets.