Man Utd target 'dream target' for Southampton winger but face £100m price

Manchester United’s pursuit of Southampton wonderkid Tyler Dibling has taken a significant step forward, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano labelling the 19-year-old winger a “dream target” for the Red Devils.

However, the move could be complicated by Southampton’s staggering £100m valuation, a figure that reflects their belief that Dibling has the potential to become one of the world’s best in his position.

Dibling has been a standout performer for Southampton this season, despite the club’s dire position at the bottom of the Premier League, 17 points from safety with just nine games left.

The Exeter-born teenager, who can play as an attacking midfielder or right winger, has contributed four goals and two assists in 30 appearances, impressing with his pace, dribbling, and ability to carry the ball forward in a struggling side.

His performances have drawn interest from a host of top clubs, but United are firmly in the race, buoyed by their technical director Jason Wilcox’s prior connection to the player from his time at Southampton.

Speaking to GiveMeSport on March 27, Romano confirmed United’s admiration for Dibling, stating, “He’s also kind of the dream target for Manchester United; he’s a player they like, but he’s very expensive with FFP for United.”

The Italian journalist highlighted the financial hurdles, noting Southampton’s massive asking price could prove problematic for a United side constrained by Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

“Southampton want £100m,” Romano added, “they believe that he is one of the best players in the world—in terms of potential—in his position.”

United’s interest in Dibling comes as Rúben Amorim seeks to bolster his attacking options following a dismal season that has left the club 13th in the Premier League and out of both domestic cups.

With forwards Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling for goals—combining for just 14 in 83 appearances—Dibling’s versatility and creativity make him an appealing prospect.

Sources suggest United have been scouting him for months, with Wilcox’s familiarity giving them an edge over rivals like Tottenham, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich, all of whom have also been linked.

However, the £100m price tag—far exceeding earlier estimates of £40m-£55m reported in January—poses a significant challenge. Southampton, facing almost certain relegation, view Dibling as a generational talent and are determined to maximize his value, especially with his contract running until 2027.

Romano’s comments echo sentiment on X, where fans and pundits have hailed Dibling as a future star, but United’s financial situation, compounded by plans to offload up to 10 players including Antony and Jadon Sancho, may force them to negotiate hard or pivot to alternatives.

Amorim’s vision for United includes young, dynamic players who fit his 3-4-2-1 system, and Dibling’s high work rate and adaptability—potentially as a wing-back or forward—align perfectly.

Yet, with Tottenham reportedly making Dibling their top target and half of Europe watching, per Sky Germany, United face stiff competition. “It could be that Wilcox and Christopher Vivell will need to be more shrewd in the transfer window,” Romano noted, suggesting a creative deal might be necessary to land their dream signing.

For now, Dibling remains focused on Southampton, though his desire to leave this summer, as reported by CaughtOffside, adds urgency to United’s pursuit. Whether they can turn their dream into reality hinges on navigating Southampton’s hefty demands and outpacing their rivals in what promises to be a blockbuster transfer saga.