Transfer market expert Pete O’Rourke has revealed Tottenham Hotspur do not want to pay the asking price that Southampton are demanding for Tyler Dibling, however, the North Londoners are still determined to negotiate a deal for the winger.
The 19-year-old was always going to be one of the most in-demand signings of the summer transfer window after Southampton failed to preserve their Premier League status and were suffered relegation back to the Championship.
That is exactly how it is proving to be, with Tottenham expected to face plenty of competition for Dibling’s signature this summer.
It has been reported by some sources that Spurs are at the front of the queue to land Dibling, but the Lilywhites have their work cut out to sign the teenager, who is held in high regard by the Saints.
Tottenham want to sign Tyler Dibling for a lower fee
Just a few days ago, it was reported by Sky Sports that Southampton are demanding £55m from Spurs for Dibling, and this information has now been backed up by Pete O’Rourke.
O’Rourke reveals that Tottenham had a £35m offer for Dibling turned down by the Saints during the January window, and explained that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is hopeful of signing the England Under-21 international for £10m-£15m lower than what Will Still’s men are demanding.
He told Football Insider: “Spurs bid £35million in January, which Southampton quickly rejected. With Southampton suffering relegation, it’s going to be really hard for them to keep hold of the teenager.
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“That valuation of £55million asking price might be too high… Spurs will be hoping they can negotiate with Southampton and get him for £40–£45million.”
Richarlison could be sold by Tottenham this summer
Despite the Lilywhites’ reluctance to meet Southampton’s asking price for Dibling, O’Rourke made it clear that the teenager is seen as the ideal addition for the Tottenham project as they look to bulk up their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League.
He suggested that the Lilywhites may raise the required money for the Saints academy graduate by cashing on Richarlison, who joined Tottenham in a £60m deal from Everton in July 2022.
O’Rourke added: “[Dibling] fits Tottenham’s strategy perfectly, signing the best young talent and giving them first-team football to make an instant impact.
“With Son staying, Dibling linked, and Richarlison likely to be moved on… there’s got to be some restructuring at Tottenham this summer.
“The domestic campaign was awful… the squad depth and quality has to be addressed and must improve. You look at Chelsea – Enzo Maresca’s picked two teams, so Spurs must build for multi-front competition.”