West Ham have been handed a possible boost in their interest in Southampton’s Tyler Dibling.
According to both Caught Offside and Sky Sports, the Hammers have been keeping a close eye on Dibling’s progress in what has been a breakthrough season in the Premier League for the 18-year-old.
It’s believed the Saints have set an initial asking price of at least £20.6m for the youngster, who is also the subject of interest from other Premier League clubs.
With Mohammed Kudus linked with a January move to Arsenal and Julen Lopetegui in need of injecting more talent into his underperforming squad, there is a belief that West Ham and Southampton might be prepared to get back to the negotiating table this winter.
The two clubs have conducted a number of deals between themselves over the last couple of seasons. James Ward-Prowse joined the Hammers from St. Mary’s Stadium in the summer of 2023, with Flynn Downes heading the other way.
Last summer, Downes made his stay on the south coast a permanent one, while Maxwel Cornet also joined Russel Martin’s side on loan.
And Martin’s recent comments about Dibling may have potentially opened the door more business between the clubs in the near future.
When asked about interest in the youngster and current contract negotiations, the manager was incredibly honest about the current state of play where Dibling’s future is concerned.
He said: “I was told some rumours about interest, one was talk of a bid for £21m.
“I’m not sure you’ll get his left foot for that.
“We have offered him a contract, a really good contract for someone his age. 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.
“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.”
With that in mind, West Ham will likely playing close attention to how those negotiations go at St. Mary’s. If Dibling’s representatives and Southampton remain at a disagreement over new terms, it could represent a good opportunity for the Hammers to rock the boat further with a bid.
Dibling’s current St. Mary’s contract runs to 2027, so Southampton will no doubt want to resolve the issue one way or another pretty soon.
