Manchester United have been on a scouting mission under Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Manchester United chiefs already appear to have greenlit a move for Southampton wonderkid Tyler Dibling.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the Saints youngster following an impressive breakout season at St Mary’s. The 18-year-old has made 15 appearances for the promoted side this term, scoring once and notching two assists.
According to reports, United have been closely tracking Dibling but they could face competition from a Premier League rival. It is suggested that Aston Villa are also eyeing the winger.
As per The Sun, both teams have scouted him, while sides in Italy and Germany are also interested. It is suggested that a deal might be tricky in January given the vulnerable position Southampton find themselves in, but a move could be on the cards should the club be relegated from the Premier League.
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Dibling only signed a new deal with Southampton last year, and it has been suggested that the club could attempt to tie him down to fresh terms. Southampton boss Russell Martin has previously revealed that United chief Jason Wilcox is a big fan of the youngster.
He said: “He has ability I’ve just not seen in many people. It’s a pleasure to watch him play football. He needs to be in an environment where he feels really trusted and loved, and we absolutely love him.
“The lads in the dressing room understand how good he can be, but you can cut some of that [praise] because if we keep telling everyone how good he is then he won’t be here for very long!
“Jason Wilcox was pushing for us to play him more last season, but he wasn’t quite ready. It’s been beautiful to watch Tyler’s journey so far and he needs to keep going.”
Tyler Dibling has enjoyed a brilliant debut season with Southampton
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Dibling has already made a big move in his career. Starting his career within the Southampton academy, he joined Chelsea for £1.5m in 2022.
But he returned to the South Coast just months later. Dibling’s former coach at Southampton, David Horseman, claimed he was not quite ready for the move, hence his return.
As quoted by The Athletic, he said: “You have international after international from the first team down to the under-15s at Chelsea and it is a ruthless environment. Tyler wasn’t ready for it.
“They treat the players properly there, but if you aren’t producing, you aren’t playing. It’s ruthless. It just wasn’t the right time for Tyler, and that is not down to how they would have treated him or his ability. It’s a different set of kids and the culture is different.”
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