Southampton manager Russell Martin has laughed off reports of Manchester United bidding for teenage star Tyler Dibling.
The Saints have been poor upon their return to the Premier League, showing little resistance as they slumped to 12 defeats in their opening 14 games. Games against the sides occupying the top four places have seen them concede 12 goals, but they have only failed to score past Manchester City.
Despite their poor form, teenager Tyler Dibling has been a bright spark in the side that sits bottom of the table, putting some of the Premier League’s giants on alert. The 18-year-old has played in all 14 of the club’s fixtures this season, and while he is not impacting the scoring charts, he is still proving one to watch.
Dibling has scored just once this season, but he has won two penalties while ranking in the top 47% for successful dribbles and the top 51% for duels won. The teenager faces an insurmountable amount of pressure at the relegation-threatened club, but he continues to put in solid performances despite his young age.
Manchester United looking for a new dawn.
The Red Devils are looking to bring a new era to the club under Ruben Amorim’s guidance. In truth, it has not got off to the best of starts, with the side picking up the one win against Everton in the league since his arrival. They fell to defeat at Arsenal and Nottingham Forest while drawing to Ipswich. Alongside those poor results, they have scraped by with narrow wins in the Europa League.
The fault cannot be blamed solely on Amorim, if at all. The side’s transfer recruitment has been key to their failings in recent years, and he is tasked with removing that chequered past. Brazilian winger Antony has been one of the worst failings for the price they paid, and a sale is said to be underway. Meanwhile, local hero Marcus Rashford has also disappointed fans and is said to be on the list for exodus despite flourishing since the arrival of the Portuguese manager.
Martin laughs off Manchester United’s bid.
Current Southampton manager Russell Martin may be one of the names under pressure, but he seems adamant the club will not sell Dibling. The 18-year-old is under contract until 2026 and has reportedly been offered an extension, but rumours state his agent is not happy with the amount offered.
That situation has put clubs like United on alert, who are reportedly preparing a bid of £21 million. Unsurprisingly, the Red Devils are not alone in their pursuit of Dibling, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa also placing him on their radar.
In response to those reports, Martin has claimed that the figure is “measly” and would not get the Premier League side his left foot, but his contract situation means the potential move danger is on the rise.