Despite the £89m signing of Paul Pogba and the improved form of Spanish international Ander Herrera, Manchester United's midfield has been reliant on Michael Carrick throughout the season.
To put it simply, without the 35-year-old, Jose Mourinho's side lack the balance and cohesion the former Tottenham stalwart brings, not to mention his positional awareness and impressive range of passing.
But, Carrick cannot go on forever and as he approaches the end of his distinguished playing career Mourinho appears to have a replacement locked his crosshairs, Spurs midfielder Eric Dier, who according to Sun Sport could make a £40m to Old Trafford.
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The versatile England international has all the attributes to ascend Carrick's throne and would be a welcome addition to the midfield, particularly given the fact that at just 23, he already has bags of experience at the highest level.
Another reason could be his ability to play in a back three, a system Mourinho has experimented with at times this season. So far, it has been glaringly obvious that United need new personnel to make this system work and Dier could be the solution.
The Red Devils are said to be planning yet another major squad overhaul with Antoine Griezmann the number one target, just ahead of Dier.
Daley Blind, Luke Shaw and Wayne Rooney could all leave the club in what is set to be a busy transfer window in Manchester.
As for Dier, United may not find it as easy to pluck players from the north London club as they have previously.
Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov were both snatched from White Hart Lane in days gone by, but given Spurs' elevation in status compared with Mourinho's side, they may find attracting Dier a different proposition altogether. Best start prepping that chequebook.
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