Spurs 'staggered by Dier's demands to at least double his £60,000-a-week wages'

Eric Dier has stunned Tottenham Hotspur’s hierarchy with wages demands at least double his current salary, Sportsmail understands.

The 26-year-old has less than 12 months to run on his deal and wants to stay at the club given the relationship he has forged with boss Jose Mourinho.

But we have been told that chairman Daniel Levy has been taken aback by Dier’s expectation of a wage more than double the £60,000-a-week he currently earns.

It is said that the England international wants the rise to bring him in line with others in the squad, although Spurs believe the financial uncertainty of a post-pandemic market makes that unrealistic.

We reported in February that Dier’s future was in doubt with Spurs willing to sell the England international this summer if he did not commit to a new deal.

Since then Dier has won a place in the side in his preferred centre-back position and would like to remain in North London.

Mourinho is also keen for him to stay and it is hoped an agreement can be reached.

Mourinho has stood by Dier during the fallout over the incident which saw the player climb into the stands and confront a fan following a game in March.

Dier - who said he was defending his brother - was this week given a four-match ban and fined £40,000 by the Football Association.