Southampton attacking midfielder Tyler Dibling is being eyed as an Eberechi Eze replacement by Crystal Palace, according to talkSPORT.
Southampton will have become accustomed to noise over the future of prized asset Tyler Dibling by now.
Everton have been heavily linked with the young star this summer transfer window, seeing bids knocked back. However, the Toffees look to have moved on amid a huge valuation of up to £50m.
Southampton star Tyler Dibling
Image courtesy of: DAVID KLEIN/REUTERS.
However, one club who could be about to come into big money is Crystal Palace, and they’ve got plans of spending it on Dibling.
According to talkSPORT, the Eagles are eyeing the 19-year-old Southampton standout as a replacement for Eberechi Eze. The star attacking midfielder looks poised for a move to Spurs, with an agreement in principle reached after he told Selhurst Park chiefs that he wanted to make the move.
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With post-Eze planning underway, Palace have shortlisted Dibling as someone who could fill the void left behind. They want a replacement in before letting their star man go, so if they zero in on the Saints ace as their desired replacement, it could be that they move quick to try and get a deal done ahead of his other suitors.
Southampton in a strong negotiating position as another club targets Tyler Dibling
As has been made evident again this summer, Southampton are a club in a strong financial position that will not be forced into cashing in on prized assets unless their price tags are met.
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It happened before with the likes of Romeo Lavia and Tino Livramento, and the same scenario is repeating this year with Dibling and midfield star Mateus Fernandes.
Southampton star Mateus Fernandes
Image courtesy of: PAUL CHILDS/REUTERS.
In the case of Crystal Palace’s interest in Dibling, the Saints will know they have the money to spend too. It is reportedly costing Spurs up to £60m to sign Eze, so with their £50m Dibling asking price, the Eagles could afford it right away in theory.
There will no doubt be an effort to find a bit of wiggle room to bring that price down, especially given the difference in ability and pedigree between him and Eze. However, Dibling is an elite prospect, and with the Saints in a strong position, they won’t be eager to sell on the cheap if they know Palace have the money.
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Tyler Dibling’s Southampton stats – via Transfermarkt
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How Tyler Dibling would benefit from a Southampton stay
There’s no doubting that Dibling is a Premier League standard player, and he has the potential to go on and reach the very top of the game. A move to someone like Crystal Palace could be perfect for him as he looks to prove just how good he is.
However, as someone who is still developing, game time is key. There is not a doubt that he would be a nailed on Southampton starter in the Championship, and with his ability, he could really star in a successful team at the level.
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It would serve as a hugely valuable experience both for the development of him as a character and player to serve as a key figure for a promotion-chasing side. However, with such opportunities to return to the Premier League, he may not be minded to turn down those chances in favour of a year at a lower level.
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