West Ham United to act now after Tyler Dibling contract twist at Southampton
West Ham United have to be ready to pounce for Tyler Dibling in the new year after the youngster reportedly rejected a new deal at Southampton.
According to TBR [17 December], Dibling has turned down the opening contract offer handed to him by the Saints.
The report adds that West Ham are one of a number of Premier League clubs eyeing the youngster, along with Tottenham, Aston Villa, Manchester United and others.
Irons chiefs have already watched Dibling up close this season and have been left impressed [Caught Offside, 10 December].
Tyler Dibling can be marquee January signing at West Ham
Dibling has well and truly burst onto the scene this season, with Danny Murphy hailing him as “something special” on BBC’s Match of the Day.
The 18-year-old is already a regular in the Premier League and, while he ‘only’ has one goal and zero assists in 15 outings, he certainly passes the eye test.
He has been the standout performer in near enough every Southampton game this season and it is little wonder so many teams want his signature.
Tottenham, Manchester United and Villa may each be able to offer European football of some sort or another, but that should not put West Ham off.
Julen Lopetegui is not exactly known for turning to youngsters, but Dibling will surely see West Ham as a natural next step from Southampton.
The Saints are not under pressure to sell in January, especially with the teenager’s current contract not expiring until 2027, but that stance could change if they drop out of the Premier League.
West Ham fans will just hope that David Sullivan, Tim Steidten and Co are at the very least keeping tabs on this situation with a view to tabling a bid in the New Year.
If it is a marquee signing the Irons are after, this would vert much be it.
In other West Ham news, the Irons have set their sights on a player north of the border.
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