Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a blow in the pursuit of Southampton attacker Tyler Dibling.
The 18-year-old has burst onto the top-flight scene for the newly-promoted Saints during the opening weeks of the fresh Premier League campaign.
Dibling has featured on five occasions at England's top table, making two starts, with his energy and effectiveness on the flanks catching the eye.
During his first-ever Premier League start against Manchester United on September 14, the young Englishman earned a penalty for the Saints after proving too hot to handle for Diogo Dalot.
Dibling followed up a top display against Erik ten Hag's troops with a maiden goal in the top flight versus fellow Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon.
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"He is ours" - Southampton head coach clarifies Dibling situation
Speaking after Southampton's 1-1 draw with the Tractor Boys at St Mary's on the weekend, head coach Russell Martin provided an insight into the situation of Dibling on the South coast amid transfer speculation.
"When you are 18 and you play in the Premier League to the level he is played at, I think every club in the world probably looks at you. He is ours," Martin told The Daily Echo.
"The club has turned down bids for him since I have been here, so he is not a secret to people who have been watching Under-21s football.
"He left the club and did not enjoy it where he went so he came back. I think he understands we all just want the best for him and he has a great support network around him that we are in constant contact with.
"We have to make sure he keeps enjoying it and we play in a style that he can really flourish and thrive in. The (transfer) speculation is nothing for him or for me. We are in a strong position."
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Man United, Tottenham still interested in Dibling?
As per numerous reports, there have been links between Man United and a move for Dibling since his emergence in the Premier League this season.
It has been reported that as many as six top-flight clubs are keen on the 18-year-old, including the Red Devils and Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham.
Dibling will be looking to inspire Southampton to their maiden win of the league campaign as they travel along the South coast to face Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
Carter White
