Latest developments
- Manchester United are believed to be bidding £21 million for Tyler Dibling.
- But Southampton boss Russell Martin said Dibling's left foot is worth more.
- The 18-year-old scored his first Premier League goal in September.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Reports discussed by Saints boss
Man Utd are one of a number of clubs in the Premier League and around Europe interested in signing Southampton wonderkid Tyler Dibling, with the Red Devils lining up a £21 million bid for the right-winger, as per Sky Sports.
Adding credibility to the rumour was Southampton manager Russell Martin who, rather than dismiss the story, laughed off the £21 million offer by claiming “I'm not sure you'll get his left foot for that (price).”
Value (2/5): Big price for breakout star
Dibling has been one of the brighter stars for Saints in a difficult return to the Premier League this season, playing 14 times in the league and scoring against Ipswich.
Those appearances make up two thirds of the 21 matches he has played in his entire senior club career, and if £21 million is not nearly enough, then United risk overspending on a player with a market value of just £4.15 million.
Suitability (3.5/5): Potential to excel
Already capped at England under-21 level, the 18-year-old is highly rated by many people in the game, with his dribbling and willing to take on his man a joy to watch.
He looks capable of making the step up to a bigger club, and can play on the right side of the midfield four or front three in the system Ruben Amorim is bringing to Old Trafford.
Upgrade? (2.5/5): Amad is first-choice
United have been in the hunt for a new right-winger for a while, though Amad Diallo has been one of the better players in the side since Amorim's arrival.
The same cannot be said for Antony, who could be on the way out, setting up an interesting battle between Amad and Dibling for that RW position.
Logic (4/5): Hungry young talent ripe for rebuild
Dibling will have his sights set at bigger clubs than the Saints and, at Old Trafford, he would get first-team action at a club that will value young players wanting to prove themselves as they rebuild.
Whisper+ verdict: 15/25
Amad's improvement means United can take a chance with an untested right-winger, but if £21 million cannot get Southampton to the negotiating table, we cannot see this rumour going far.
