That's ultimately the kind of deal we have to go for. Going for a player like Stones after he's broken through as a top class talent at a relatively big club like Everton proving himself as good enough for regular PL football is just not going be a place where we can compete with richer clubs.
Finding more deals before they reach that level... That's one area where we can, potentially, do better than other clubs as it's more down to ability (and a fair bit of luck) and not just brute force money. And we're really trying it seems.
Dier looks a very good talent for sure. Has been inconsistent this season, no big surprise. I think, like so many of our players, he will push on next season after this experience.