Premier League outfit Everton are reportedly close to reaching an agreement to sign Championship winger Tyler Dibling from Southampton.
The 19-year-old burst onto the scene with Southampton during the previous campaign and despite their relegation, he was one of their few positives.
However, relegation to the Championship has alerted several sides to his availability and it now seems as though one side are significantly closer than the rest.
Dibling close to Everton move
According to journalist David Ornstein, Southampton’s Tyler Dibling is edging ever closer to a permanent departure from St. Mary’s before the summer transfer window comes to an end.
The proposed deal includes a fee of £40 million plus a sell-on clause.
Personal terms are thought to be already done in principle, with a medical set early next week if all goes to plan.
How did he fare last season?
Tyler Dibling‘s departure from St Mary’s has been in the pipeline for some time now. The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season in the Premier League last season.
Although the Saints were relegated, Dibling offered a bright spark in a poor side. He averaged more successful dribbles per 90 minutes than the likes of Bukayo Saka, Morgan Rogers and Matheus Cunha.
However, it’s not his stats that have made him an attractive prospect. His fearlessness and directness on the ball were beyond his years and it was hard to think last season was his first at the senior level.
This has prompted Everton to make a move in order to bolster their attacking options.
Is this a good signing?
After the loan signing of Jack Grealish, Everton are looking to add Dibling as another winger to the squad.
Dibling can learn from Grealish everyday in training. Grealish is a world class dribbler and can act as a ‘mentor’ to the youngster.
Everton started their season off on Monday with a one-nil defeat at Elland Road to newly-promoted Leeds United. The Toffees started the game with two natural 10’s on the wings, in Iliman Ndiaye and Carlos Alcaraz. Grealish was brought on for the last 20 mins and showed enough to warrant a starting place.