Southampton are determined to keep 18-year-old sensation Tyler Dibling on the south coast amid interest from Newcastle United, Manchester United, West Ham United and other big clubs.
The Magpies were keen to land the exciting attacker years ago before Chelsea won the race for signature. However, after failing to settle, Dibling returned to Southampton where he has since flourished to become a first-team regular.
Now, teams are queuing up to land the teenager once again, with Newcastle credited with interest of late. This, despite Southampton offering Dibling a new, bumper deal to commit his future at St Mary’s.
Speaking this week, new Southampton boss Ivan Juric said: “I think what is best for him is to play for Southampton and keep growing up. He is still young and he has to concentrate only on training well and playing games. Nothing else.
Last week, the Croatian coach also commented: “He started very well, he is an incredible talent and in the past few games I’ve seen him be a little bit less explosive, which is normal as he is only young. He is a big talent, a great talent and I really believe he can be a really good player.”
Before Russell Martin was axed as Saints boss last month he was quizzed over a possible £21m move for the young attacker, to which he had a very brief response. “I’m not sure you’ll get his left foot for that,” he told reporters.
Newcastle have limited funds to spend this month and Southampton are unlikely to sell before the summer due to their ongoing relegation struggles. The Magpies are continuing to hunt for exciting, prospective talent who can bolster their first-team while also becoming future household names.
Asked about his side’s current transfer stance on Friday, Howe said: “We’re not really concentrating on incomings. We’re focusing on the massive games in front of us.”
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