Blues keen on Sporting Lisbon defender.
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Chelsea are leading the chase for Sporting Lisbon and England Under-21 defender Eric Dier, according to the Daily Mail.
The 19-year-old is an exciting defensive prospect, and has spent his entire career to date with the Portuguese side, having moved to Portugal with his family at the age of 10.
Throughout his youth career, Dier has been targeted by the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham, and it now looks like Chelsea will win the race to bring the youngster back to England.
Dier was a regular for Sporting last season, but has a £4.2million buyout clause in his contract, which the Blues will look to activate in their attempts to strengthen their defence.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been linked with several young defenders this summer, as he looks to cut down on the club’s big spending on established international stars, due to the introduction of Financial Fair Play regulations from UEFA.
Dier would be a good investment for the future, and a cheaper option than the likes of Eliaquim Mangala and Raphael Varane that the club have been linked with throughout this transfer window.
Sporting may also be about to receive an offer for another of their defenders, with Liverpool hoping to sign Tiago Ilori.