Liverpool have reportedly become the latest club to express an interest in signing Southampton winger Tyler Dibling.
The 19-year-old burst onto the scene at the start of the season and subsequently held down a regular spot in the team under different head coaches.
Despite the Saints putting together one of the worst Premier League campaigns in history, Dibling would have continued to be linked with bigger clubs during the summer transfer window.
Although Southampton are beginning a new era under Will Still in the Championship, the expectation is that a bidding war will ensue and result in the sale of the England Under-19 international.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are contemplating whether to become a major force in the race for his signature.
© Imago
Liverpool enter 'open race'
The report alleges that Liverpool would join what is generally regarded to be an 'open race' for the teenager's services.
Dibling has reportedly been valued in the region of £55m, a hefty price-tag for a player who has contributed just four goals and three assists in 43 appearances.
Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all been credited as admirers of the prospect, albeit it yet to be determined whether they would be prepared to meet Southampton's demands.
With two years remaining on his contract at St Mary's and the possibility of a campaign in the second tier, Dibling's stock will arguably not be any higher than at this point.
As a result, Southampton are expected to welcome interest in his signature, aware that it could significantly help appease any future issues with the relevant financial regulations.
© Imago
Would Liverpool be a good fit for Dibling?
Liverpool's current focus is on trying to get a deal for Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz over the line as soon as possible.
Wirtz would essentially join Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah as quality options in the final third, but the futures of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez are very much in doubt.
Furthermore, it is yet to be determined whether Ben Doak will be integrated into Arne Slot's plans or if the Scotland international will be sold for pure profit.
There is an argument that there is better value in retaining Doak than spending a mammoth fee on Dibling, particularly when Liverpool are losing homegrown talents such as Caoimhin Kelleher and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Darren Plant
