Aston Villa transfer target could seal £55m agreement before summer window
Aston Villa transfer target and Southampton star Tyler Dibling could agree to leave St Mary's in the coming days - even if it involves remaining on the south coast for the remainder of this season. Playmaker Dibling has been a rare shining light for the Saints in an otherwise miserable season at the foot of the Premier League table.
The under 21 international, who turns 19 next month, has been a regular under Russell Martin and now current Southampton boss Ivan Juric. He has drawn admiring glances from Premier League opponents, despite the Saints' collectively lowly position, with his performances to date producing four goals and two assists this season.
Reports emerged earlier in this January transfer window that Dibling, who is almost certain to leave St Mary's if and when the club are relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season, will cost any suitors up to £55m. Villa, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and RB Leipzig are all supposedly keen on Dibling.
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The Telegraph reports that it is Spurs who are ahead of the others in the race; they have made contact with Southampton and are looking to tie up a deal with their top flight counterparts, ideally with the intention of bringing Dibling to London before Monday night's deadline passes. Alternatively, they're willing to set up a move for the summer window.
Spurs are also keen on Angel Gomes, the England international from the Manchester United academy who nowadays plays for Lille, and Brighton and Hove Albion centre forward Evan Ferguson.
Speaking recently about Dibling's future, new manager Juric replied: "There are no assurances in football, we know that, but I am pretty sure that I will be coaching Dibling all this year." Dibling is currently sidelined with injury.
