The saga of Tyler Dibling joining Everton this summer is heating up with Southampton playing hardball.
David Moyes is eager to get his man this summer, but the Saints are proving very difficult in negotiations.
This comes after Southampton demanded £50 million for Dibling in what started as a £35 million price tag just a few weeks ago.
Will Still and the hierarchy know they can get more money off the Toffees, but Moyes might be beginning to question if this is the direction forward.
If the 19-year-old signed for the above figure, he would be Everton’s record transfer, but it’s clear that The Friedkin Group have other options on the table.
Tyler Dibling in action for Southampton.
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Everton are looking at six other options after Southampton demand £50m for Tyler Dibling
It was reported by David Ornstein that Everton are threatening to move away from the deal with the Championship side counter-offering the Blues’ third bid for the winger.
This is stated to be £45 million plus £5 million in bonuses, as the Toffees are now considering other targets.
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Well, with the other options now on the table, Everton.News’ transfer expert, Graeme Bailey, has revealed the six candidates that could replace Dibling if a move collapses.
“Yeah – host of options still, although Dibling is obviously more central than wide. But Fofana interest remains – one to keep an eye on for sure,” Bailey said.
“(Tom) Fellows, (Finn) Azaz, (Ben) Doak, (Omari) Hutchinson, Jack Grealish, and a few more – lots of options they are looking at”
It appears as though The Friedkins have prepared for this, and with Moyes prioritising a right-winger this month, he’s come equipped for all eventualities.
But considering these targets, there is one sensible option that the Toffees should look to sign, as the Scotsman seems to be a big fan.
Tom Fellows is David Moyes’ perfect Tyler Dibling alternative at Everton
This isn’t to say a deal for Dibling is over, but it looks as though the Saints are pushing too hard with their valuation.
Moyes won’t want his time wasted, and a cheaper, sensible option for the Toffees could be Tom Fellows.
Looking at all these targets, the likes of Jack Grealish and Malick Fofana could also be deemed too expensive.
This is due to Grealish’s possible £12 million loan and Fofana’s £31 million bid being rejected.
It ultimately leaves the option of Fellows, who has proven his worth in the Championship, and he’s ready for the big step up to the top flight.
Games played 45
Goals 4
Assists 14
Accurate crosses per 90 1.25
Pass accuracy % 87.2%
Chances created 62
Tom Fellows’ statistics for West Brom in 24/25 Championship season, as per FotMob
Moyes wants players from the Championship, hence why he’s going for Dibling, but the West Brom winger presents a cheaper option, and offers arguably more quality for the short-term.
Out of all the names listed, the 22-year-old would be the cheapest as Fellows would cost just £10 million.
In an ideal world, this would sort the winger position out and still have potential for Dibling to be signed as a number ten, like Bailey mentions above.
This makes clear sense moving forward, as Moyes has a big decision to make on the Southampton talent.