Newly promoted Premier League star delivers clear stance amidst Southampton link | OneFootball

Southampton target Manor Solomon reveals his plan of preferring Leeds United for a permanent summer move rather than embarking on a new Saints journey.

Very recently, Tyler Dibling admitted to being teased by teammates for his dropping transfer value. Harsh as it may sound, it now feels confirmed that even if Dibling departs, it won't be for £100m, or for Tottenham, for whose interest this fee was quoted.

Strangely, he's not the only one on this list. While Dibling flopped his Tottenham audition outright, teammate Harwood-Bellis wasn't brilliant either, shutting down his Spurs links too.

Just a few weeks ago, imagining no Saints switch to Tottenham would've felt impossible and yet, here we are with none feasible now. Still, what's surprising? It's the other way around too.

This is because even a potential reverse move feels off now, as Tottenham loanee and Saints target Manor Solomon has turned them down.

Notably, very similar to the Southampton to Tottenham falloff, the last weeks have derailed the Saints' stance in Solomon's transfer race. And to dig the wound deep, it's for St. Mary's new rivals, Leeds United.

Recently, GiveMeSport confirmed Solomon's preference for a permanent Leeds stay rather than a new road. Thus, while the player's move isn't official, it's almost over for Southampton to convince Solomon, even using a sky-high transfer fee now.

Solomon's stance must not disappoint Southampton

Now, obviously, losing in on a proven league player feels saddening as a Saints fan, but is this a caution-cum-lesson for Southampton here?

It's been just days since a former Tottenham star, Walker-Peters, aimed at Southampton's strange forward-line recruitment. Well, just imagine if Solomon were to turn another of the string of failed signings.

So, from an optimistic point of view, Southampton might have just saved themselves from another disappointment.

Instead, the message feels clear now. Focus on revitalizing the offense line at the expense of proven and known heroes like Patrick Bamford, or Che Adams.