Southampton look to have a real star on their hands as 18-year-old Tyler Dibling has caught the eye of all who have watched him so far this season.
Russell Martin has been cautious not to put too much pressure on Tyler Dibling but his performances for Southampton off the bench became impossible to ignore being the youngster was handed a starting role in the Manchester United defeat.
That 12:30pm kick-off live on TNT Sports exposed the wider world to Dibling and he made his mark as he was Southampton’s biggest threat before winning a penalty after beating Diogo Dalot who then brought him down.
Cameron Archer missed the penalty and Southampton went on to lose 3-0, but Dibling showed that he should now be a regular starter in the Premier League and should be in the side for the huge clash against Ipswich Town this weekend.
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Southampton could face battle to keep Tyler Dibling amid Manchester United interest
Reports have emerged that Southampton are looking to agree a new contract with Dibling which is perhaps unsurprising when you consider his fine start to the season.
The club will hope that this deters any potential suitors from trying to secure a cut-price deal for the teenager given his current contract sees him paid £5k-a-week.
According to a report by Give Me Sport: ‘Southampton prodigy Tyler Dibling is on Manchester United’s radar’.
The report goes on to add: ‘United could be interested in attempting to turn Dibling’s head, despite the Saints’ hopes at convincing him to sign a new contract on the south coast after a huge breakthrough at the start of the season’.
United’s new Sporting Director Dan Ashworth could be key to any potential move, as Give Me Sport reveal: ‘United are lurking.
Despite opting against making a move for him at this stage of his career, Dan Ashworth – the club’s new Sporting Director – has already tried his hand at doing so when at Newcastle, and remains a big fan despite being rejected in the north-east’.
Dibling could see progress stall if he leaves Southampton
It is difficult to argue that Southampton is not the best place for Dibling at this stage of his career.
He is playing Premier League football at 18 under a manager who is loves him and has a reputation for developing young players and it is unlikely he would get that at a club of the size of United.
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Martin labelled Dibling a “special talent” ahead of the 5-3 Carabao Cup second round win in which he provided two assists.
Speaking on the star after a cameo against Everton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, Martin said: “I want to be cautious of it because in this country we have a habit of building people up so early and then enjoying the fact that they don’t quite reach their potential.
“I think the biggest thing I can say is if he’s playing it tells you what we feel about him at 18 years old. The stuff that he can do that we trust him with.”
The Saints boss added: “We really demand a lot of Tyler but we also give him a lot of love.
“He is supremely talented and if he wants to keep listening and to keep growing and to keep improving, he will, in my opinion, play at a very, very top level.”
Southampton will hope Dibling signs the contract he is set to be offered so that everyone can concentrate on what is happening on the pitch as the attacking midfielder looks set to key to the club’s survival hopes despite his age.