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A transfer race is hotting up between Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
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Aston Villa have reportedly entered discussions over the potential signing of Southampton winger Tyler Dibling this summer.
The Villans, anticipating major interest in the Saints winger, are eager to get in ahead of the competition with dialogue already said to be underway. Dibling has enjoyed a terrific breakthrough season after being promoted from the Southampton youth ranks, with 28 appearances racked up across all competitions this term, including 23 in the Premier League.
Villa have been tracking Dibling’s progress for some time and were linked with signing the 19-year-old both last summer and during the recent winter transfer window. The same can be said for Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, too, with both clubs sharing just as much interest.
The Daily Mail reports Villa have opened very early talks over the possibility of signing Dibling by making several tentative enquiries to Southampton. Unai Emery has been impressed by what he’s seen from the teenager and wants to know the conditions of a possible summer deal.
This follows an earlier claim from The Daily Mail that Southampton were reluctant to sell Dibling in January, with a whopping £55 million price tag laid out to bat away interest. It’s since been reported by Football Insider, however, that the Saints will let Dibling go when they are relegated from the Premier League.
With Ivan Juric’s side now 13 points adrift from safety with 11 matches to go, it’s very unlikely they’ll be able to avoid the drop down to the Championship. As Southampton have only been able to claim nine points from the first 81 available, it would be an absolute miracle to turn around their fortunes now.
How would Tyler Dibling fit in at Aston Villa?
Predominantly a right winger but also capable as an attacking midfielder, Dibling would offer Villa plenty of versatility – a trait Emery favours in most players he signs. It doesn’t matter what end of the field a transfer target is, Emery typically won’t sign them unless they’re capable of filling in out of position when required.
This was certainly the case with the marquee winter deadline day additions of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio as the former can play off the left or as a striker, while the latter prefers the number 10 role but is also comfortable on the right flank. Donyell Malen settles into this conversation, too, with the former Borussia Dortmund man capable of playing anywhere across the front line.
Dibling has a great turn of pace, is rapid when he gets up to speed and has already showcased excellent technical ability in the final third. Four goals and two assists in 28 appearances might not sound overly impressive but considering Southampton have only scored 31 goals in 33 matches altogether, it’s not exactly bad going.
It has to be said, Dibling is unlikely to join Villa if Rashford or Asensio - or both - join on a permanent basis this summer. Emery’s side have the option to buy Rashford from Manchester United for £40 million, whereas BirminghamWorld understands Paris Saint-Germain have already floated the idea of Asensio extending his loan.
As Asensio’s contract expires in June 2026 anyway, there’s the potential for Villa to sign the Spaniard on a permanent basis. With four goals in three starts so far, Asensio has already gained the hearts of supporters.