Tottenham confirm arrival of Sporting defender Dier

LONDON — 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 £4 million ($6.73 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. “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 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 United on August 16.