Report: Jose Mourinho targets two Tottenham players for Roma, including England star

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Italian website CalcioToday have claimed that new Roma manager Jose Mourinho has already identified his first two transfer targets for the Serie A side this summer – in the form of Tottenham Hotspur duo Eric Dier and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Mourinho, 58, only left Tottenham a fortnight ago. While Daniel Levy continues to scour the market for a new manager, Mourinho has been quick to find himself a new club in the form of Serie A side Roma. They currently sit in seventh place.

Paulo Fonseca has been confirmed as leaving Roma this summer and Mourinho will replace him, despite guiding Roma to a Europa League semi-final. In the league, they have been below par – currently sitting in a lowly seventh place.

Because there is a chance Roma will struggle to qualify for Europe, Mourinho wants a small squad. But he also wants additions and both Dier and Hojbjerg are at the top of the shortlist for him – Hojbjerg being a player he signed for Spurs just last summer.

TBR’s view – Could Mourinho really sign either player?

Right now, Spurs cannot afford to lose either player. England international Dier has returned to the starting fold under Mason and the defender is performing well while Hojbjerg is crucial for Spurs – already playing 49 times in all competitions.

But in the summer, a reshuffle is likely. Spurs are expected to target new central defenders, and that might see Dier consider a move given he could be replaced – and that may benefit Roma. Chris Smalling is at Roma and that could help Dier settle.

However, Spurs will be desperate to keep hold of Hojbjerg – who is worth far more than the £15million Spurs paid for him. So, there is no chance Danish star Hojbjerg is going but £72k-a-week (Spotrac) defender Dier? Perhaps there is a chance.