Everton’s pursuit of Tyler Dibling this summer is still at large, with this looking like a saga going right to the end of the window.
It’s been a transfer story that has been on the mind of many Evertonians, as it’s got to a stage of will he, won’t he, in terms of Dibling joining.
Everton are ‘leading’ the Dibling race as Tottenham are providing some strong competition for the youngster.
David Moyes will know he has to heighten his interest after an underpar showing at Leeds United, and the Toffees may have to give in to Southampton’s demands.
A decision will have to be made soon, as it appears the Saints are already picking off one of Everton’s ploys.
Southampton winger Tyler Dibling ahead of Ipswich Town game.
Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
Southampton bid £12 million for Everton’s Tyler Dibling alternative Finn Azaz
With The Friedkin Group making the 19-year-old the priority for what they want, a plan B has been considered.
This is through the other options they will turn to if the pursuit of the Saint attacker fails, and the Daily Mail are reporting that Finn Azaz is now the subject of a £12 million bid from Southampton, as Everton saw Azaz as Dibling’s alternative
The Middlesbrough star has impressed in the Championship and shows the credentials he could bring to Merseyside.
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It comes as no surprise that the 24-year-old has appeared on the club’s radar, as Moyes desires Championship talent for Everton.
But as it stands, one name is already vanishing from the list of possible replacements, and Everton need to decide on Dibling before it gets too late in the window.
Finn Azaz could still prove to be a reliable option at Everton
It’s important for the Toffees not to lose track of other targets whilst Dibling is their point of focus.
This means that there could be a possibility that challenging Southampton for Azaz could be the right move, as he has all the characteristics needed for Moyes to improve his attack.
Games played 45
Goal involvements 23 (12G+11A)
Chances created 88
Tackles won % 71.8%
Touches in opposition box per 90 4.37
Finn Azaz’s Championship statistics in 2024/25 season, as per FotMob
Dibling could be the next ‘Paul Gascoigne’, but paying £50 million for an unproven Premier League player is a risk.
This is why a £12 million fee for Azaz shouldn’t be overlooked, as it could be the sensible option in what The Friedkins are building at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the Irishman providing that workhorse energy in the midfield whilst also posing as a creative threat.
It might not be the ideal solution, but it might be what Moyes needs in the closing weeks of the window.