Postecoglou makes Eric Dier Tottenham squad claim and discusses transfer need

Ange Postecoglou has been speaking in his pre-match press conference at Hotspur Way to preview Tottenham's Premier League clash against Sheffield United

Ange Postecoglou has admitted that Eric Dier was never out of his thinking when it came to finalising Tottenham's 25-man squad for the 2023/24 Premier League season. Previously looking to be in a position where he would need to cut a couple from his final squad due to the amount of non-homegrown players on the books, a late flurry of transfer deals ensured Spurs got over the line.

Dier was one of the 17 non-homegrown players selected, with Hugo Lloris also included despite question marks over his place in Postecoglou's plans as he looked to seal a summer transfer elsewhere. Although Dier has yet to appear in the Tottenham matchday 20 this campaign after missing out in all five games, the head coach has made it clear that the England international "was never out of the squad".

"I think it was a fairly fluid situation. We weren't sure what was going to happen with Hugo. Dier was never out of the squad," he said in his pre-match press conference.

"At the end of the window we saw the numbers we had and there was room for both of them. They've been training with the squad so they continue to be part of it."

Rather light at centre-back at present following Davinson Sanchez's permanent move to Galatasaray, Postecoglou has admitted that Spurs need another centre-back in the squad. They do have 18-year-old Ashley Phillips available for selection following his summer move from Blackburn Rovers, with Dier and Ben Davies the more senior options at centre-back to cover for Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

"We are a little bit light but for Davinson it was good opportunity where he