Now-former Southampton boss Russell Martin spoke about the asking price being mooted for Tottenham target Tyler Dibling earlier this week.
Dibling only has a goal and two assists to his name so far this season, but those numbers do not accurately capture his contribution to the Saints side.
Almost all of Southampton’s attacks have come through the 18-year-old this season, with the teenager proving a handful for defences with his ability to cut in from the right as well as to go on the outside.
It has been widely reported that the youngster’s performances have caught the attention of Spurs as well as other Premier League sides this season.
Ironically, it was Tottenham’s 5-0 win over the Saints that eventually got Martin sacked. However, Dibling was once again Southampton’s shining light on a woeful night at St Mary’s.
Martin laughed off suggestions that the Saints academy graduate could be signed for £21m just days before he was sacked. The former Southampton boss also revealed that the South Coast club have offered the youngster a new deal and that the player wants to put pen to paper.
When asked about the speculation over Dibling’s future, Martin told Sky Sports: “I was told some rumours about Man Utd, one was a bid of £21m. I’m not sure you’ll get his left foot for that.”
Speaking on contract negotiations, the 38-year-old said: “At the minute, I don’t think his agent agrees, so that’s where we’re at. I think Tyler wants it done, I think Tyler’s parents want it done, so we’ll see how long that takes.
“There is an option. We can extend. I don’t think we want to do that – we want to reward Tyler for his performances. I’ve spoken to Tyler’s mum and dad about it, I’ve spoken to Tyler, but then I’m not involved in any of the negotiations – that’s down to Phil [Parsons, chief executive] and the gang, the owners and Tyler’s agent – and that’s where it gets tricky.”
Given Southampton’s current predicament, there is more than a decent chance that they will go straight back down this season.
One would thus imagine that Dibling’s entourage would be insisting on adding a release clause to any new contract which would become active if the Saints get relegated.
There will undoubtedly be a long queue of clubs fighting to sign the teenager next summer Southampton fail to avoid the drop.
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