Manchester United continue to work through a challenging summer window, aiming to blend experienced names with emerging talent as part of Ruben Amorim’s rebuild.
While the club’s headline pursuits remain focused on attackers like Benjamin Sesko, there has also been a strategic effort to identify young midfielders with high ceilings.
One such player is Hayden Hackney, the Middlesbrough starlet, who has been on United’s radar since late last season.
However, it appears the 23-year-old is currently leaning towards a move to Tottenham, who can offer more immediate first-team assurances.
With United open to alternative youth options, Tyler Dibling has emerged as another name under consideration – and Premier League competition is already heating up.
According to Paul Joyce’s report for The Times, Everton have had a £27 million bid rejected by Southampton for the talented 19-year-old midfielder.
The Merseyside club remain keen and are expected to return with an improved offer.
Dibling, an England youth international, is under contract until 2027 and has attracted interest from multiple other top-flight sides including Aston Villa, West Ham, and Fulham.
United have held long-term interest in Dibling, with the youngster showing real potential despite The Saints’ relegation last season.
However, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and West Ham are reportedly also interested in the young forward, with Southampton setting their asking price at between £47 million and £56 million.
Everton believe a fee of around £35 million could tempt Southampton into selling, as stated by The Times’ report.
Despite some early hype suggesting he could be worth £100 million, the teenager’s modest senior record – 33 league games and two goals – has kept expectations in check.
Everton are viewed as frontrunners, with Dibling understood to be keen on a move to Goodison Park due to the promise of regular playing time.
United’s own interest is not thought to be advanced.
However, the player remains firmly on their radar should other options fall through later in the window.
