Everton will most likely pursue other transfer targets after Southampton turned down their bids for Tyler Dibling, according to Paul Joyce.
Ending the 2024/25 season in mid-table, having been steered away from the threat of relegation by the returning David Moyes, there is a sense of optimism around Everton once more after some tough years. The Friedkin Group are in their first summer as owners of the club and have already been active in the transfer market.
Not including the permanent addition of Charly Alcaraz, who joined the club on loan in January, Everton have made four new additions to their squad. Defender Adam Aznou and goalkeeper Mark Travers have signed for the club, while Everton have spent bigger fees on midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and striker Thierno Barry.
The Toffees evidently want to make further additions to their attack before the window shuts. Everton have shown an interest in both Tyler Dibling and Jack Grealish, the former having been linked with a move from Southampton since their relegation and the latter struggling for first-team minutes with Manchester City.
Now, though, it appears that Everton may be forced to move on from one of these targeted players.
‘They’ll Be Looking Elsewhere’
Tyler Dibling
Speaking on The Game podcast, Paul Joyce has revealed that Toffees may struggle in their pursuit of Dibling. Southampton made a counter-offer to Everton’s initial bid, wanting around £50 million, including add-ons, for their attacking star. About the deal, Joyce said:
“Everton recognised last weekend that it’s a very difficult deal to do. Everton feel that it’s going to have to take Southampton to really climb down [on valuation] for it to get done and I think they’ll be looking elsewhere.”
Dibling was one of the few bright spots for Southampton last season, who endured a miserable Premier League campaign as they made an immediate return to the second tier. At the conclusion of the term, it became apparent that Dibling would depart if a club matched Southampton’s valuation of him.
Dibling would be an incredible addition for the Toffees, but it does not look likely, at this stage, that a deal will be agreed.
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