Paper Round: Manchesteer United to add £50m Eric Dier after Romelu Lukaku

Today's papers are reporting that Manchester United want to sign Eric Dier, Chelsea cancel Nemanja Matic's Man Utd deal, Diego Costa could stay, and Wayne Rooney has been told to behave by Ronald Koeman.

Manchester United line up Eric Dier next

United will complete the signing of Romelu Lukaku imminently, and then turn their attention to Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Eric Dier. Mourinho wants a defensive midfielder to bolster his side and ultimately replace Michael Carrick, who signed a one year contract extension recently. While Spurs rejected United's initial approaches, talks have carried on in the background, with the Telegraph suggesting a £50m fee.

Our view: Dier would be a good addition to United. But Spurs might play a hard ball on this as they have previously said non of their players is for sale so expect this to drag on for some time. 

Chelsea call off United's Matic deal

The reason United have rekindled their interest in Dier is because Chelsea have ended the possibility that they could sign their midfielder Nemanja Matic. The 28 year old Serbian had been expected to sign for United over the summer, once Chelsea's deal for Tiemoue Bakayoko was completed. However, United's gazumping of Chelsea for Lukaku has ended the chances of a deal.

 

Our view: Does United need Matic? Monaco's Fabiho could have been a better option even Eric Dier still fare better than the Serbian. Well one would understand why Chelsea are now refusing to sell Matic to United. United really dealt a big blow to Chelsea for stealing Lukaku away from them.

Costa could play for Chelsea again

The fallout from the Lukaku transfer does not end there. Chelsea were expected to turn their attentions to Andrea Belotti or Alvaro Morata, but it seems that Diego Costa could yet stay at Chelsea. The 28 year old Spaniard had been expected to leave the club for Atletico Madrid after Chelsea boss Antonio Conte told him by text he was no longer in his plans. Costa will relent on his wish to leave because he needs to play regular football ahead of the World Cup. 

Our view: I don't see Costa staying in Chelsea for one more season before moving to Atletico. Once Chelsea get a good striker now, Costa will be relegated to the background of things so the best option for him to sign with Atletico now, remain at Stamford Bridge as a backup for the moment and move to Atletico in January after the expiration of their transfer ban.

Koeman tells Rooney to behave

Ronald Koeman met Wayne Rooney ahead of his transfer to Everton this week. The Everton manager told Rooney, 31, that he would not tolerate any poor behaviour at the club. Koeman knows that Rooney has been pictured drinking regularly last season, and also gambled away £500,000 in one episode. Koeman wants Rooney to be an example to his younger players.