Southampton are reported to be far apart in contract negotiations with Tyler Dibling and may be forced to accept a cut-price offer from Tottenham Hotspur.
The Saints were beaten 4-0 by Chelsea in the Premier League in their most recent outing on February 25, with the defeat their fourth consecutive loss in the top flight.
Boss Ivan Juric has come under pressure for his side’s form, as while few expected him to successfully achieve safety given the squad he inherited, it is difficult to justify the team being in last place with just nine points after 27 matchweeks.
In a further blow to Southampton fans, while GIVEMESPORT claim that the Saints are actively trying to renew Dibling’s contract, they also say that relegation from the top flight could force them sell the forward for a fee in the region of £30-35m.
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Why Dibling’s fee could be lower
Dibling has garnered praise for his performances on the south coast this season, with the 19-year-old’s ability to carry the ball past opponents said to be attracting the interest of clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur.
Reports have also suggested that Southampton would ideally demand a transfer fee in excess of £50m to secure the attacker’s services, but given the teenager’s current deal expires in the summer of 2026, the Saints will want to avoid him leaving for free at the end of next season.
It should also be noted that Dibling has started just twice in his side’s last four games amidst suggestions that his style of play is not particularly suited to Juric’s system
The forward was able to express himself on the pitch under previous boss Russell Martin, and though Martin can have few complaints about his dismissal, it would not be surprising if Dibling preferred playing in a possession-oriented team.
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Could other players leave?
The Saints are 13 points from 17th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers and will be relegated barring one of the greatest comebacks in Premier League history.
Relegation has often been followed by the departures of a number of first-team players, and it is hard to see the likes of Aaron Ramsdale staying at St Mary’s.
The goalkeeper is no stranger to the drop given he has finished in the bottom three of the Premier League with Bournemouth and Sheffield United in the past.
However, Ramsdale has proven he is capable of performing well in the highest division of English football during his time at Arsenal, and he will almost certainly have suitors in the summer.
Ramsdale and Dibling are unlikely to be the only two players that could be poached at the end of the season, and Southampton fans may have to prepare themselves for numerous exits.
