Football: Tottenham confirm arrival of Sporting's English defender Dier

Colombian midfielder Joao Rodriguez (left) vies with England defender Eric Dier (right) during the Under 21 international football match England v Colombia, at the Leo Lagrange stadium in Toulon, southern France on May 30, 2014. -- PHOTO: AFP
Colombian midfielder Joao Rodriguez (left) vies with England defender Eric Dier (right) during the Under 21 international football match England v Colombia, at the Leo Lagrange stadium in Toulon, southern France on May 30, 2014. -- PHOTO: AFP

LONDON (REUTERS) - Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of English defender Eric Dier from Portuguese side Sporting on a five-year deal, the Premier League club announced on Saturday.

No fee was disclosed but media reports say Spurs paid around four million pounds (S$8.1 million) for the England under-21 International.

"It has always been my ambition and my dream to come back to England and play in the Premier League," the 20-year-old told the club website (www.tottenhamhotspur.com).

"I've watched a lot of Tottenham and I've always enjoyed the way they play, their attacking football.

"I think, coming from Portugal, that suits me and this season I just want to adapt really quickly to the Premier League and do the best I can."

Dier's family moved to Portugal when he was a child.

He made 30 appearances for the Lisbon club, and spent time on loan at Everton in 2011.

He is Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino's third signing following the arrival of Wales defender Ben Davies and Netherlands goalkeeper Michel Vorm, both from Swansea City.

Spurs open their league campaign at West Ham on Aug 16.

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