Manchester United’s pursuit of a transfer for Tyler Dibling might be over before it ever really started.
Back in September, the Premier League was introduced to the latest English prospect on the wing for Southampton, as he ran metaphorical rings around Diogo Dalot.
It was a breakout display from Tyler Dibling, and since then, he has only furthered his status as one of football’s brightest emerging talents.
Due to this, half of Europe are keen on signing Dibling, that is, until Southampton’s valuation emerged, a number which likely ruled out Ineos and Manchester United.
It has been claimed that, as ridiculous as it sounds, Southampton are requesting £100m to sell Dibling this summer. This asking price is rather outlandish and, given the financial situation, leaves United firmly out of the race right now for Dibling.
With this being the case, it is important United turn its attention elsewhere, and Jason Wilcox could sign Ruben Amorim, two talents in the attacking roles for roughly half of Dibling’s valuation.
So here are two players United should sign instead for roughly £47m cheaper than Dibling alone would cost.
Photo by Joaquín Camiletti/Getty Images
Photo by Joaquín Camiletti/Getty Images
Franco Mastantuono
Up first, for £66m less than Dibling, United could sign arguably Argentina’s very best prospect in football right now, Franco Mastantuono.
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With a release clause worth £34.6m, the River Plate attacking midfielder is expected to be on the move this summer or next winter, so United should absolutely skip the queue and complete the addition, which could be a game-changer.
Tottenham are already in talks to sign Mastantuono, but the draw of United would surely give Ineos the edge.
As a player, Mastantuono is very similar to Francisco Trincao, which bodes well for his chances of shining in Amorim’s system.
Mastantuono’s contract expires in December and so it is possible that he will be available for even cheaper than the release fee in his contract. This move would see United back in the South American market for the second time under Ineos after Diego Leon was signed from Cerro Porteno.
Rayan Cherki
Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Alongside Mastantuono, United could very easily make a move to sign Lyon’s prized asset, Rayan Cherki, who was available for just £18.3m in January.
Cherki is absolutely on fire for Lyon this season, with eight goals and 18 assists in 34 games across all competitions, which is a tally United could do with having, considering the lack of goals.
Singing Cherki would see United get a true sensation of a player, but he would come with risk as his attitude has long been a concern reported upon.
But he is a player worth taking that risk on, as he is far too good for United to turn noses up at right now.
Signing both these players would cost United £52.9m, while both are better than Dibling right now and arguably more ready to make the step up. United could even add Trincao and it would still be cheaper.
This just proves the deal cannot happen.