Southampton are ready to demand a staggering fee of more than £100 million for Tottenham and Manchester City target Tyler Dibling.
The highly rated attacking midfielder will be one of the most sought after talents in this summer’s transfer window but Southampton’s current valuation is leaving Premier League clubs frustrated.
Dibling has made only 25 appearances in the Premier League and appears certain to be sold this summer with Southampton all but relegated to the Championship. They are expecting strong interest in the summer but are prepared to adopt a hardline stance on his future, with their valuation higher than the £100 million paid by Manchester City to Aston Villa for Jack Grealish in August 2021.
Tottenham have identified the 19-year-old as a priority target and made enquiries to sign him in the January transfer window.
Dibling’s profile, versatility and age have seen him emerge as a serious option for Tottenham, who are set to reignite their interest at the end of the season.
Champions Manchester City, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig have also scouted the teenager regularly this season.
Yet Southampton believe Dibling is one of the best youngsters in English football and will demand a significant fee. Dibling has impressed in a struggling team in his breakout season, scoring four goals and delivering two assists.
He made his Premier League debut as a substitute in the 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United and has since emerged as one of Southampton’s best academy graduates for years. Southampton’s manager Ivan Juric recently described Dibling as a player with “incredible potential” who “will be great in the future”.
Dibling joined Southampton’s youth system at the age of eight, signing his first professional contract in October 2021. A year later he had a brief spell with Chelsea’s academy before returning to Southampton.
On Tuesday he appeared for England Under-19s in the European Championship qualifier against Portugal, which England won 1-0.
Southampton, who are 17 points adrift of safety, return to action next Wednesday with a home game against Crystal Palace.
