Jose Mourinho has targeted two Tottenham players for his new team, AS Roma, but he is set to face rejection in his bid to sign either.
The Portuguese was named the latest manager of the Italian side less than three weeks after being sacked by Tottenham.
He will look to make them an Italian powerhouse and Champions League campaigners again from next season.
His quest to make them a competitive team will require quality talent and he is now targeting some of his former players.
Sun Sports says he wants Eric Dier and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and has asked the Roma leaders to try to sign both stars.
However, he will be frustrated because Spurs will not sell either player.
Mourinho signed Hojbjerg from Southampton in the summer and has been a long-term admirer of Dier, whom he also tried to sign when he managed Manchester United.
A club source said via the report: “There is no way we would sell either of these players.
“Of course, the new manager would have the final say.
“But you cannot see who whoever comes in wanting to let them go either.
“Both are incredibly important members of the team and you cannot see that changing.”