Southampton head coach Russell Martin has poured cold water over recent reports linking Tyler Dibling with a move away from the club.
A host of Premier League giants have been linked with the 18-year-old attacker, including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
Dibling has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the first-team plans on the South Coast, featuring in 14 top-flight matches so far in the 2024-25 campaign.
The youngster found the net for the first time at senior level on September 21, when Southampton managed a 1-1 draw against fellow newly-promoted side Ipswich Town at St Mary's Stadium.
Despite the emergence of Dibling, the Saints have struggled massively on their return to the elite level of English football, meaning that they sit rock bottom of the Premier League standings.
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"Not sure you will get his left foot for that" - Martin rubbishes Dibling rumours
Speaking ahead of Southampton's Premier League clash with Tottenham on the South Coast this weekend, head coach Martin addressed rumours of an incoming £21m bid for Dibling from Manchester United.
"I was told some rumours about Man Utd, one was a bid of £21m. I am not sure you will get his left foot for that," joked the Scottish boss.
Speaking more seriously, Martin provided an update on the contract situation of the 18-year-old, who is yet to agree to improved terms at St Mary's Stadium.
"We have offered him a contract, a really good contract for someone his age. At the minute, I do not think his agent agrees, so that is where we are at," Martin told the media ahead of Sunday's match with Spurs.
"I think Tyler wants it done, I think Tyler's parents want it done, so we will see how long that takes. There is an option. We can extend [Dibling's current deal]. I do not think we want to do that - we want to reward Tyler for his performances.
"I have spoken to Tyler's mum and dad about it, I have spoken to Tyler, but then I am not involved in any of the negotiations - that is down to Phil Parsons [chief executive] and the gang, the owners and Tyler's agent - and that is where it gets tricky."
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Dibling's next step
With some of the division's top clubs circling around him, Dibling needs to take the next step in his Southampton career before a high-profile transfer.
The youngster has provided just one goal contribution in 14 Premier League games, with his primary focus now to start finding the net on a regular basis.
Dibling will be out to make a point against one of his potential suitors as Ange Postecoglou's Spurs visit St Mary's on Sunday night in the top flight.
Carter White
