Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that a deal has been reached to bring Sporting Clube de Portugal defender Eric Dier to White Hart Lane on a permanent basis.
The club made the announcement via social network Twitter, explaining that only a completed medical was needed before the transfer could be completed.
We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Sporting Lisbon for the transfer of Eric Dier, subject to a medical.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 31, 2014
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has been active in the transfer window this summer, bringing in the likes of Michel Vorm and Ben Davies from Swansea City, and the acquisition of Eric Dier will provide real competition at centre back.
The White Hart Lane outfit already have Michael Dawson, Jan Vertonghen, Vlad Chiriches, Younes Kaboul and Zeki Fryers who are all capable of playing in the heart of the defence.
With six men fighting for a place in the side, it would be reasonable to assume that Pochettino either plans to move one or two on, or change formation to a back three.
The positional skills, comfort on the ball and physical presence of Sporting Lisbon star Dier could well make him an ideal candidate to lead the new look Tottenham defence.