Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been joined in the race to sign Southampton star Tyler Dibling by 'half of Europe'.
The winger was a relatively unknown when starting his first-ever Premier League campaign, yet he has established himself as a top European prospect in the space of five months.
Seventh starts and seven substitute outings have been provided for the 18-year-old, who has contributed four goals and two assists in all competitions.
However, with Dibling's contract only due to run until 2027 and Southampton at increasing risk of being relegated to the Championship, club officials must consider the best time to maximise the player's valuation.
According to Sky Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg, who was commenting on X, Spurs are not the clear frontrunners to wrap up a deal for the teenager.
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Dibling to receive Bundelsiga opportunity?
Plettenberg says that RB Leipzig are ready to invest in the future of the prodigy by putting forward a proposal worth €30m (£25.36m).
With Leipzig having already been eliminated from the Champions League and not involved in a Bundesliga title race, they are in a position where they can already try to plan for 2025-26.
Nevertheless, Southampton are said to be against cashing in on Dibling for the aforementioned fee, believing that they can generate a more lucrative figure from a Premier League side.
'Half of Europe' are reportedly monitoring the situation, aware that Southampton are highly unlikely to turn down offers for Dibling should they suffer relegation.
The Saints, now with Ivan Juric in charge, have won just one of their 22 Premier League matches this season and sit 10 points adrift of safety.
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Who is the best fit for Dibling?
An argument which is consistent and justified regarding Dibling is that first-team football at this stage of his career should be the priority.
The England Under-21 international found himself at several different clubs during his youth days and will be wanting to settle down at his next team for many years.
Opportunities could arise at a team like Spurs, albeit with fellow youngsters Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Mikey Moore already vying to become mainstays in the team.
Leipzig have a reputation of handing chances to young talent, yet Dibling's most suitable transfer may lie elsewhere once it is determined which clubs will be playing European football during 2025-26.
Darren Plant
