Everton paused their pursuit of 19-year-old Tyler Dibling after growing frustrated with Southampton, who refused to negotiate below their asking price.
However, as of 13 August, Football Insider reported that the Toffees could still target Dibling later in the transfer window — despite Jack Grealish’s loan move from Manchester City to Hill Dickinson Stadium being confirmed earlier this week.
Everton’s former CEO Keith Wyness, who ran Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009 and now advises elite clubs through his consultancy, believes that when David Moyes’ side return for Dibling, they may be able to secure him for a lower fee.
‘Southampton may have overplayed their hand’
Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness argued that if Everton re-engage for the Saints winger, the deal could be completed at the £40m they previously offered — or potentially even less.
So far, Everton’s bids have been rejected, with Southampton reportedly holding out for around £50m. But Wyness thinks the South Coast club may have pushed too hard, giving Everton leverage.
He explained:
“I always thought Dibling was too expensive, and the Grealish deal was a better value. Will Everton try again? Possibly, but they won’t raise their offer. Southampton may have overplayed their hand, seeing no major auction for him at the moment. If the deal happens, it’ll likely be at the previous offer or even lower. That’s the risk clubs take when pushing too hard in negotiations. Everton are currently standing back, and I don’t expect them to move just yet.”
Everton’s recruitment shake-up
Meanwhile, Everton have agreed to hire former Man City recruitment chief James Smith, according to sources. Smith, currently on a three-month gardening leave after leaving City six weeks ago, is expected to return to Everton, where he previously worked in recruitment.
The move forms part of a broader restructuring at Goodison Park under recently-appointed CEO Angus Kinnear.
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