Tottenham Hotspur and RB Leipzig are the two favorites in the race for sign Southampton’s talented teenager Tyler Dibling, according to a report in Germany.
The 18-year-old winger has been a lone ray of hope in a dismal season for Southampton. The Exeter-born academy graduate, who spent a short time in Chelsea’s youth set-up, got two in total Priority minutes while Saints won promotion last season.
Russell Martin has put his faith in the left-footed winger this season, bringing him off the bench for the first three matches of the season before earning his full debut against Manchester United in September. Dibling terrorized Diogo Dalot, winning a penalty in the first half that Cameron Archer failed to convert.
A classy dribbler earned Southampton their first point of the season against Ipswich Town a week later and has been on the radar of top clubs across the continent ever since.
Sky Sports Germany claim that Bundesliga side RB Leipzig are ready to pay as much as €30m (£25.2m) for the teenager. However, the Saints were encouraged to decline the offer due to Dibling’s talent, the length of his contract (which runs until 2027) and interest from Tottenham.
admitted Ange Postecoglou that Spurs were interested in French striker Randal Kolo Muani after it became clear he would leave Paris Saint-Germain this month. The World Cup finalist eventually opted for Juventus, with Tottenham also facing stiff competition for Dibling’s signature.
Despite the interest of “half of Europe”, it is stated SkySouthampton have so far rejected all offers for their striker.
Martin may no longer be in the position on the south coast, but captured the club’s high opinion of Dibling when the subject of his transfer was raised in December. “They told me some rumors about Man Utd, one was an offer of £21 million,” reflected the former manager. “I’m not sure you’ll get his left leg for that.”
Dibling have been offered a new contract by the relegation battlers – who currently sit bottom of the Premier League and are on track to record their lowest point total in Premier League history – but there are many other offerings to ponder.
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