Southampton manager Will Still has discussed the future of Everton target Tyler Dibling after their pre-season outing against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Everton have made a right-winger a top priority, with David Moyes explaining he would’ve liked that area of the pitch addressed first.
Moyes has explored a deal to sign Malick Fofana from Lyon, however, he is currently stalling on a move as he’s aware of interest from clubs in Europe.
Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo is also a target for the Toffees, however, the full focus seems to be on Tyler Dibling at the moment.
Everton had a £27m bid rejected for Dibling earlier this week, and they’re ready to go back in with another offer.
Dibling’s Southampton manager Will Still has made an admission about his talisman, which will give Everton encouragement.
Southampton winger Tyler Dibling.
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Will Still admits Tyler Dibling has a price tag amid Everton interest
Still was asked about Dibling’s future after the Brighton game and did admit that the club have set a price tag, meaning he’s not considered untouchable this summer.
“If you know Ty, he doesn’t really get that bothered by things, he’s not really affected. He played really well in the first 60-minute game this morning,” the Saints boss said.
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“He’s been struggling; he didn’t come to Spain with us because he’s got a few niggles. He was back in training this week, and we had to push him for 60 minutes.
“We used the first game for that. But no, he’s fine, it’s just being typical Tyler and just getting on with things.
“I’ve no idea (if he will depart). I think the club have set a price. We’ve got good players and there is interest for good players, which is normal.”
Dibling valued at around £40m
Everton’s first bid fell well below Southampton’s valuation of Dibling, but they’re now ready to launch another proposal.
It’s understood Southampton value Dibling at around £40m, so there is a current gap of £13m to make up.
That’s certainly a surmountable gap, as the Friedkin Group have a substantial budget at their disposal which has largely been untouched so far this summer.
Barry, who joined in a £27m deal from Villarreal, has been the only big-money arrival, so if Everton feel Dibling is worth it, they’ll accept Saints’ terms.