"I know people close to him" - Claim made on Tyler Dibling's Southampton future as Spurs and Man United circle | OneFootball

FLW's Southampton fan pundit has given his view on whether star winger Tyler Dibling will leave the club this summer.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Southampton are set to face a battle to hold on to star winger Tyler Dibling in the summer following their relegation from the Premier League.

After a nightmare season, Southampton suffered the earliest ever relegation from the top flight when their fate was confirmed last weekend with seven games remaining, and they are now aiming to avoid breaking Derby County's record for the lowest ever points total.

It has certainly been a season to forget for Saints supporters, but Dibling has been one of the shining lights in a miserable campaign, and his performances have caught the eye of a number of bigger clubs.

Dibling only made four appearances in Southampton's promotion-winning season last term, but has been a regular this campaign, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.

The 19-year-old was rewarded for his breakthrough at club level with his first call-up to the England U21 squad in November, and Newcastle United, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and RB Leipzig are reportedly keeping tabs on him ahead of the summer transfer window, but Tottenham Hotspur, who had a £35 million bid rejected in January, are believed to be leading the race at this stage.

It was claimed last month that the Saints are preparing to demand a staggering £100 million for Dibling in the summer, but Spurs are said to be optimistic that they can agree a deal for a fee between £40 million and £45 million.

Tyler Dibling warned against expected Southampton FC departure this summer

When asked if Dibling's departure in the summer is a foregone conclusion, FLW's Southampton fan pundit Martin Sanders insisted that there is a chance the winger could remain at St Mary's next season, and he believes that would be the right move for his development.

"I don't think it's a foregone conclusion," Martin told FLW.

"I know people close to him and I know people in the club, and I'm led to believe that he's very relaxed about the situation, he's not in a rush to go anywhere.

"I think the club will want to sell him because they'll want to get money in the door.

"He's a brilliant talent, but I think he needs another year with Southampton to be honest, I think it would do him good.

"He could rip the Championship to shreds and become an absolute hero at Southampton.

"He risks going somewhere and not playing enough football.

"He needs to play for the right manager in the right system, Russell Martin said that on Gary Lineker's podcast the other day, and I totally agree.

"But £100 million? Absolutely not, he's never worth that.

"He had a really good first half of the season, but he's been nowhere to be seen since Christmas.

"After Juric became manager, he really struggled in his system and looked unhappy.

"His last really good performance in a Southampton shirt came at the Amex against Brighton in December, he played really well that night.

"But he's been very, very quiet since Christmas, and I think that's probably down to the manager."

Dibling enjoyed an excellent start to the season for Southampton in the Premier League, but as Martin says, his performances have delighted significantly since the sacking of Russell Martin in December.

That raises question marks over whether Dibling is able to deliver consistently in the top flight at this early stage of his career, and if he was to make a move to a bigger club in the summer, he is unlikely to feature anywhere near as regularly as he would at St Mary's next season.

Dibling may be keen to remain in the Premier League, but the likes of Danny Rohl, Liam Rosenior and Will Still have all been linked with the Saints job, and any of those talented young coaches could help him to rebuild his confidence and get back to his best in the Championship.