Everton had a £27m bid rejected by Southampton for Tyler Dibling, but there appears to be movement on the in-demand star’s transfer.
Southampton are heading into the 2025/26 Championship campaign with Will Still at the helm, hoping for an instant promotion back to the Premier League.
However, Still’s task in his debut season could be made far more difficult come the end of the summer transfer window.
As well as several Premier League sides, Atletico Madrid are tracking Mateus Fernandes, with his Saints exit increasingly likely.
Aaron Ramsdale joined Newcastle United on loan, and another high-profile departure from St Mary’s is in the offing, with Tyler Dibling nearing his transfer to Everton.
Tyler Dibling reacts during Eastleigh vs Southampton in a Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Southampton talks with Everton are ‘ongoing’ for Tyler Dibling
Following his breakout campaign in the Premier League for Southampton, 19-year-old prospect Dibling has been in high demand throughout the summer window, with the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham tracking him.
EFL Analysis exclusively revealed recently that Southampton set a new Dibling asking fee at the £40m mark, after Everton’s initial bid of £27m was rejected for the versatile attacker.
Southampton valued Dibling at £50m amid the lofty Premier League interest in his services, but our Chief Football correspondent, Graeme Bailey, has outlined that “£40million will get the deal done” for Everton.
Now, EFL Analysis sources can confirm that a second bid has been rejected, which was worth £43m, with £8m of that inclusive of add-ons.
We understand that talks are ongoing, and that Southampton want a guaranteed fee of £40m, rather than the £35m fee with £8m add-ons.
Bailey revealed: “Tyler Dibling wants this move. I am told that he is impressed with David Moyes and the project. He has not been short of interest.
Statistic Tyler Dibling in 24/25
Games played 38
Goals 4
Assists 2
Tyler Dibling’s statistics in the 2024/25 season for Southampton
“Moyes has really pushed for this, he thinks Dibling is one of the most talented young players in England and this would be something of a coup for Everton to get him.
“Moyes is not happy with Everton’s recruitment thus far this summer in terms of numbers but this will go a long way to satisfying him.”
Will Still during Southampton's pre-season friendly against Eastleigh
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
What Will Still has said about Tyler Dibling amid Everton move
Summer Southampton appointment Still appears resigned to losing Dibling this summer, in a major blow for his promotion prospects.
Still commented on Dibling’s future following Southampton’s 2-2 draw with Brighton in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.
He said: “I have no idea, to be honest. The club have set a price and we have good players. Tyler is fine and just getting on with it.”
Dibling proved himself at top flight level last season, and is destined for a bright future at the highest echelon of English football.
Southampton host Wrexham on Saturday to kick off their 2025/26 Championship season, and with Everton’s pursuit of the English starlet ramping up, Still could be forced to be without Dibling against the Red Dragons.