Manchester United have been monitoring Southampton starlet Tyler Dibling
The Red Devils have been linked with a £21m move for the midfielder
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By SPENCER MORGAN
Published: 07:22 EST, 13 December 2024 | Updated: 07:27 EST, 13 December 2024
Southampton manager Russell Martin has made it clear that Manchester United would need to pay a lot more than £21m to get their hands on midfielder Tyler Dibling.
Dibling has been one of the few bright notes in what has so far been a miserable campaign for the Saints following their promotion to the top flight.
The club sit bottom of the Premier League with just five points from 15 games but Dibling has still managed to impress.
The midfielder, who has been likened to Man City's Jack Grealish, has started regularly and featured in all but one of Southampton's Premier League games.
Reports emerged earlier this week that both United and Aston Villa were monitoring the player and have sent scouts to watch him this season.
A fee in the region of £21m was being mooted but Martin says that is well off the mark.
Tyler Dibling has attracted interest from Man United with his performances this season
Ahead of Saints' home Premier League encounter with Tottenham on Sunday, Martin said: 'I was told some rumours about Man Utd, one was a bid of £21m. I'm not sure you'll get his left foot for that.'
However, Martin admitted Southampton are having trouble renewing Dibling's deal, saying: 'We have offered him a contract, a really good contract for someone his age.
'At the minute, I don't think his agent agrees, so that's where we're at. I think Tyler wants it done, I think Tyler's parents want it done, so we'll see how long that takes.
'There is an option. We can extend. I don't think we want to do that - we want to reward Tyler for his performances.
'I've spoken to Tyler's mum and dad about it, I've spoken to Tyler, but then I'm not involved in any of the negotiations - that's down to Phil [Parsons, chief executive] and the gang, the owners and Tyler's agent - and that's where it gets tricky.'
SouthamptonManchester United