Everton transfer target Tyler Dibling made his first appearance of the season for Southampton on Sunday
Tyler Dibling received the backing of Southampton supporters as he was welcomed back into the club’s plans. The 19-year-old was left out of the Saints’ Championship opener, last weekend’s dramatic comeback win over Wrexham, amid heavy interest from Everton.
Manager Will Still said ahead of the trip to Ipswich Town on Sunday that the attacking midfielder would return to the squad.
Dibling did just that – Still naming him on the bench at Portman Road. And when the teenager was introduced with his side looking for a late winner, the away end showed no sign of discontent at the prospect of him remaining at the club, many breaking into the chant: “He’s one of our own.”
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Dibling may well continue under Still’s tutelage beyond the transfer window as it stands.
Everton have had three bids rejected for the teenager, the most recent a package that had the potential to rise to £37.5m.
With Southampton seemingly unwilling to move towards the Blues’ valuation, the club has taken its search for a right wing option elsewhere – for the time being at least.
That hunt has, this summer, taken in the likes of Francisco Conceicao, Johan Bakayoko. Malick Fofana, Ben Doak and Omari Hutchinson.
All have moved elsewhere with the exception of Fofana, who remains at Lyon but is understood to be keen on playing in Europe.
Asked how he had been dealing with the interest in Dibling, Still said ahead of the 1-1 draw with Ipswich: “Having honest conversations, I think he was pretty honest in the past few weeks.
“It’s not the easiest thing for him – he’s still very young, he’s still trying to understand how it all works. I’ll be honest with everyone and hope they are back.
“Everyone has been. There was some stuff about Matty [Fernandes] and Matty’s come back and done really well. I’m sure Tyler will be exactly the same.”
