Russell Martin has said it will take a lot more than £21m for Southampton to part ways with Tyler Dibling next month.
Reports earlier this week claimed Dibling is being watched by Manchester United and Aston Villa, and the 18-year-old is believed to be on the radar of clubs in Germany and Italy as well.
A fee of £21m has been mooted for Dibling – who has made 14 Premier League appearances this season – but Martin laughed off those suggestions.
Ahead of Saints’ home Premier League encounter with Tottenham on Sunday, Martin said: “I was told some rumours about Man Utd, one was a bid of £21m.
“I’m not sure you’ll get his left foot for that.”
However, Martin admitted Southampton are having trouble renewing Dibling’s deal, saying: “We have offered him a contract, a really good contract for someone his age.
“At the minute, I don’t think his agent agrees, so that’s where we’re at.
Russell Martin speaks to Dibling earlier this season
“I think Tyler wants it done, I think Tyler’s parents want it done, so we’ll see how long that takes.
“There is an option. We can extend. I don’t think we want to do that – we want to reward Tyler for his performances.
“I’ve spoken to Tyler’s mum and dad about it, I’ve spoken to Tyler, but then I’m not involved in any of the negotiations – that’s down to Phil [Parsons, chief executive] and the gang, the owners and Tyler’s agent – and that’s where it gets tricky.”
Meanwhile, Southampton’s goalkeeping crisis is set to ease, with Alex McCarthy fit and available for the meeting with Spurs, whilst Aaron Ramsdale is also close to a return.
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Highlights from the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Southampton
Martin has been forced to call upon Joe Lumley for the team’s last three matches, during which Saints have conceded seven goals.
Ramsdale has not featured since the 2-0 defeat to Wolves on November 9 after suffering a finger injury, whilst McCarthy last played in the 3-2 defeat to Liverpool later that month – when he was badly at fault for a goal gifted to Mohamed Salah.
Lumley was also guilty of a costly error during the 5-1 defeat to Chelsea as Southampton’s woes in defence have shown no sign of easing.
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Southampton manager Russell Martin was full of respect for Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou after both managers have recently faced criticism for their consistent belief in their style of football
“Al McCarthy’s back fit and Rambo [Ramsdale] is very close,” added Martin. “He may be back for the Tottenham game, but if not the Fulham game after that.”
There was more good news on the injury front, with Jan Bednarek and Paul Onuachu also available after spells out of the team.
Defender Bednarek has missed the last four matches whilst Onuachu has missed the last three, as Saints have slipped a daunting eight points adrift of safety at the foot of the Premier League.
Martin’s side, who are the lowest scorers in the top flight with 11, have registered a single victory in the league this season and face being cut adrift in the race to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
Defeat to Spurs on Sunday evening will mean they are certain to spend Christmas Day bottom of the table and, if results go against them, they could finish the weekend 11 points from safety.
