Manchester United still have a realistic chance of sealing a Champions League place come the end of the season and the Red Devils could splash the cash if they return to Europe’s top table
Manchester United are primed to launch a mega-money deal for Southampton star Tyler Dibling - but face one significant hurdle. The teenager, who has been a shining light for the dismal Saints this season, is at the top of the club’s summer shopping list.
He is expected to be one of a number of potential incomings as the Red Devils kick off a major summer rebuild over the coming months. United have endured a woeful campaign and are set for their worst-ever Premier League finish.
Southampton have reportedly already put a £100m price tag on Dibling as they attempt to fight off interest from United, as well as their Premier League rivals Tottenham. German side RB Leipzig are also in the race for his signature.
And while the Red Devils are interested, Ruben Amorim’s side still have work to do in order to thrash out a deal. According to ESPN, United will only step up their interest in Dibling should they qualify for the Champions League.
A spot in the competition will boost their transfer funds considerably, with the Southampton starlet a potential target. It is also suggested that Ipswich striker Liam Delap and a new midfielder are also on their shopping list.
Boss Amorim has already pointed to the importance of a Champions League place in planning for the transfer window. Speaking ahead of his side’s dramatic comeback against Lyon, he said: "I think it’s more about the budget. I think that is important when you are planning the next season. Champions League can change everything. But you can see it in both ways.
“If you have Champions League, it’s going to be tough to play against top teams on Wednesday and then top teams in [the] Premier League. We are in the moment that you can feel it that the team needs a lot of work.
“A lot of work means a lot of time to train. So, you can see it both ways. If you don’t have Champions League – and we want Champions League, we want to win the title, it’s the most important thing, it’s the best thing – but if you don’t have Champions League, you can think that we can have full weeks to rebuild and have more time to work.
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“So that is important when are going to make the plan for the next season, it’s really important, it will change everything."
Regarding Dibling, the 19-year-old has just over two years left on his contract on the South Coast. He has scored four goals and notched three assists for Southampton this season in what has been a dreadful campaign.
Man United will continue their Europa League run with a semi-final against Spanish side Athletic Bilbao before facing Premier League rivals Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in a potential final.