Everton manager David Moyes is reportedly weighing up the idea of signing a “special” Premier League player alongside their move for Tyler Dibling this summer.
The Saints teenager has emerged as a leading target for the Blues in the current transfer window, with three bids already rejected for his services by the Championship club.
Now, Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons has produced a bullish update on Dibling’s future, promising that he won’t be sold to Everton for anything below their asking price, which is thought to be around £50m.
“We’re not a club that’s going to roll over and just accept a bid because they feel like they want him on the cheap. If you want a player, bid for them and bid well. If we lose a player, we need to give Johannes (Spors, sporting director) the funds to replace that player. But it’s really been about cleaning up the squad.
“We’ve had a really big squad for a couple of years. That’s when it comes to bringing in academy products because that’s a part of who we are. We have to produce talent from our academy. We’ll see how the window goes, but if Tyler’s here this season, he’ll play for Southampton. He’s not going to sit around. It’s the same for every player.”
He’s not the only talented young British player is being eyed up by the Merseysiders however, following a fresh transfer claim.
Everton eyeing move for “special” Sunderland teenager
According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Everton have “explored a deal” for £40m-rated Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg, having sent scouts to watch him in action last season. It is claimed that the Blues still see Dibling as their top target, but will follow Rigg’s performances in the Premier League cloesly with Moyes a massive fan of the 18 year-old. Deals for both players could amount to £90m.
Rigg is a player who could have an enormous future in the game, so the idea of him in an Everton shirt alongside Dibling is mouthwatering, even though signing both won’t be easy.
The Sunderland ace is already a key man for the Black Cats at the age of just 18, starting 37 Championship matches last season and being hailed by former teammate Jobe Bellingham after sharing the Young Player of the Year award at the North East Football Writers’ Association Awards.
“I think first and foremost Riggy really deserves it and I’m delighted that we can share it because I think it’s really special. Both of our names will be attached to that forever because I love playing with him. We’ve got a really special bond on and off the pitch, we’re really good mates.”
While some Everton fans will understandably want to see Rigg sign this summer, seeing how he performs over the next year could be more sensibly planning, even though it is risking bigger clubs coming in for him next year.
