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An update as Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur battle to sign Southampton’s Tyler Dibling.
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The race is hotting up as a host of Premier League clubs hope to sign Tyler Dibling once Southampton’s return to the Championship is confirmed.
A bright spark in a dark season, Dibling has emerged as a new success story from Saints’ notoriously successful academy. The 19-year-old 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 monitoring Dibling’s development this term 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.
There’s one club said to be in the driving seat, however, as talkSPORT reports Spurs are confident they are leading the pack. More still, chairman Daniel Levy believes Southampton will be unable to maintain their valuation of around £55 million, making the deal far more realistic for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
BirminghamWorld understands Saints have told Dibling he can leave if they are relegated and a suitable offer arrives in the summer. It would be unfair for such a talented player to be denied a continuation in the Premier League, after all, given he’s looked capable of competing in the top tier so far.
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 take an absolute miracle to turn around their fortunes now.
How would Tyler Dibling fit in at Aston Villa?
If Villa are unable to beat Spurs to Dibling’s signature, it would be a huge coup as Unai Emery really appreciates the attacker’s profile as he would offer plenty of versatility – a trait Emery favours in most players he signs.
Predominantly a right winger but also capable as an attacking midfielder, 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 groundbreaking but considering Saints have only scored 31 goals in 33 matches altogether, it’s not 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. The three-time Champions League winner has already won the hearts of the Villa Park faithful, too, as he has scored five goals in his last four appearances in claret and blue.
In other news, two players scored 8/10s in the 3-1 win away at Club Brugge – read on to find out who they are.