Eric Dier is reportedly prepared to move into central defence to help solve Tottenham Hotspur's long-term problems at the back.

The Lilywhites risk losing Belgian pair Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen on free contracts at the end of the season.

Both players have 12-month extensions in their existing deals, but Spurs are rumoured to be more willing to cash in than keep them on if it means losing one or both of the duo for nothing a year down the line.

According to The Sun, Mauricio Pochettino is already forward planning and wants Dier to move into a deeper role, having played in that position when arriving in North London four years ago.

Dier, who also has experience in defence from his days at Sporting Lisbon, is said to be willing to help out his manager by playing wherever he is required.

The 24-year-old has played 138 league games for Tottenham, the vast majority of which have come in a deep-lying midfield role.