Tottenham and Man Utd transfer race hots up with Premier League news confirmed

The transfer race between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United for Southampton starlet Tyler Dibling has progressed to its next stage following confirmation that the Saints will be relegated to the Championship next season.

Ivan Juric’s side were beaten 3-1 by Tottenham Hotspur in north London on Sunday and are now unable to mathematically claw back the 22 point gap between themselves and Wolves in 17th place. It had been widely reported today that Juric has left the club as a consequence of that defeat.

While the relegation of Southampton does not come as a surprise, confirmation that it will happen sees transfer talk surrounding Dibling progress to its next stage. The player has emerged as a key target for Spurs this summer but transfer speculation came with the outline of it being possible ‘if’ Southampton were relegated.

Tottenham Hotspur make Southampton man ‘top target’

Dibling is expected to want to play Premier League football again next season and, to do that, he will have to make a transfer away from St Mary’s Stadium. His current deal with the Saints does not expire until 2027, which does hand the club some negotiating power.

Last month, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano had named Dibling as the ‘top target’ for Tottenham Hotspur this summer. Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano said: “At the moment, I can confirm that for Tottenham, he’s kind of their top target. They love the player, they would love to bring him in in the summer transfer window – but again, it’s not going to be super easy. Manchester City – let’s see, because City at the moment are following the player, but from what I have heard, they haven’t started any concrete conversation.”

Dibling’s minutes had decreased under Ivan Juric, who could have been looking ahead to a future without the dynamic midfielder. The report adds that Southampton did not want to entertain a January exit for the player, who is valued at £50 million, but that a summer exit could be sanctioned for as low as £35 million given his contract extension.

Man Utd scout Tyler Dibling

Sky Sports had also reported that Manchester United sent scouts to watch Dibling in England under-19 action against Wales last month, but added that a total of 14 Premier League clubs were sniffing around the talent.

Spurs are claimed to have already made contact with Dibling’s camp and believe he is sold on Ange Postecoglou’s project. Tottenham Hotspur were said to be confident that agreeing personal terms with the player won’t be a problem but Newcastle United, Manchester United and Aston Villa are also linked with the player hailed as ‘something special’ by Danny Murphy.

Speaking on Match of the Day in December, former Tottenham Hotspur star Danny Murphy tipped Dibling to go on and achieve big things in his career. The pundit said: "It is the quality he has got - the belief in himself and the physical power. He just goes past people with ease. He has got a lovely left foot. He is very brave on the ball and his decision-making is good.

"It is difficult to get too over the top with these young players, because he has just come on to the scene, but he is going to be something special. It is great for him getting all these minutes at Southampton. They are giving him the freedom to play and giving him time to learn the game.

"He is just enjoying himself and he is playing with a real belief in himself. He is just instrumental in this team."

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur star Son has joined BTS and Blackpink stars in making a South Korean wildfire donation.