Aston Villa make first move in transfer race for 19-year-old Newcastle United target with £55m price tag

Newcastle United are set to be one of several clubs looking to pick the flesh of Southampton's bones if - let's be honest - when the south coast club are relegated at the end of the season.

The biggest fight is likely to be over teenage sensation Tyler Dibling, who has been on Newcastle's radar for a while now.

Dibling caught the attention of the Magpies chiefs when he nabbed a hat-trick against our Under 21s two years ago, scoring three near-identical goals.

The youngster is technically in his second spell at the Saints after leaving for Chelsea in 2022 only to return home two months later after failing to settle.

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Aston Villa have made enquiries about Tyler Dibling

The Daily Mail are now saying that Aston Villa have made 'tentative' enquiries about the availability of Dibling as they try to steal a march on the likes of Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur who are also keeping tabs on the talented midfielder.

Southampton slapped a £55 million price tag on Dibling in January to ward off interest, but they are aware that they are likely to lose their prize asset in the summer, especially if they fail to secure their place in the Premier League, which looks nigh-on impossible at this point.

Dibling has been Southampton's outstanding player this season, and while his two goals in 23 Premier League appearances and zero assists doesn't sound great for a winger, you have to remember he's playing in a really poor Southampton side who have only managed 19 goals all season.

Tyler Dibling is a left-footed right-winger

Newcastle are desperate for a right-winger this summer, especially in the wake of Miguel Almiron's departure, and while it may be a big ask to put that kind of pressure on the youngster's shoulders, the maturity and quality he's shown in his first Premier League season suggests he could be up to the task, supported by Jacob Murphy.

Our one reservation with Dibling is that, like Almiron, he's a left-footed right winger which means he could be predictable in terms of always having to cut back inside before playing the ball into the area.

Although we're sure his right foot is better than Almiron's and Dibling will actually use his for more than just keeping him upright.