Dier may be eligible to play for both England and Portugal

Everton have signed 17-year-old English-born defender Eric Dier on loan from Sporting Lisbon for the remainder of the season.

The 6ft 2in centre-back moved to Portugal aged seven when his mother got a job working at Euro 2004 and is contracted to Sporting until 2013.

Although his family have since returned to Britain, he stayed out in Lisbon.

Dier, who will join the club's academy, has previously interested Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal.

606: DEBATE Stop all this panicking, the usual brilliant network of unearthing great young hopefuls continues Likesitinthebox

The player, who could be eligible for joint English-Portuguese nationality when he turns 18, is the grandson of former Football Association secretary Ted Croker.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version