Southampton eye West Brom ace as Tyler Dibling replacement - he had 18 g/a last season | OneFootball

Southampton are putting plans in place to replace Tyler Dibling in case he leaves this summer

Southampton have entered talks with West Brom over a potential move for Tom Fellows as a replacement for Everton target Tyler Dibling.

According to Football Insider, the Saints are eyeing a move for the 22-year-old in the event that Dibling makes the switch to Merseyside this summer.

Fellows has earned a reputation as one of the most promising young talents in the Championship with his performances for the Baggies.

The winger contributed four goals and 14 assists from 45 appearances in the league for West Brom last season, with the team finishing ninth in the table.

Southampton eye Tom Fellows

Southampton have reportedly opened talks with West Brom over a possible move for Fellows as they plan for life after Dibling.

It was reported by The Athletic earlier this week that the Saints are holding out for up to £45 million for the youngster, as well as a 25 percent sell-on clause.

It’s been claimed that this is above what Everton are willing to pay at this stage, with the Toffees offering up to £40 million for the player.

However, Southampton are still moving forward with potential plans to replace the 19-year-old in case a deal is done by 1st September.

It’s believed that the Saints want to move swiftly if Dibling is sold in order to minimise any damage to their promotion push this season.

It was expected that the teenager would depart St. Mary’s after the club suffered relegation from the Premier League, but he remains a part of Will Still’s squad ahead of this weekend’s opening round of fixtures.

Southampton’s summer business

Southampton have made a couple of signings since suffering relegation from the Premier League.

The Saints have brought in Damion Downs and Joshua Quarshie from the Bundesliga, reinforcing their attacking and defensive options.

The Hampshire outfit have also sold the likes of Kamaldeen Sulemana, Jan Bednarek and Samuel Amo-Ameyaw, as well as Aaron Ramsdale and Paul Onuachu.

Southampton will face Wrexham in their opening game of the campaign this Saturday in a 12.30pm kick-off.

Fellows would be a smart Dibling replacement

If Southampton can get £45 million for Dibling and then bring in Fellows, then that would be great business.

Dibling showed plenty of potential in the Premier League last season, but he’s still quite raw, and it’s far from guaranteed he ever becomes the finished product.

Fellows was excellent last season, and has really come into his own out wide, registering a very impressive 14 assists for the Baggies.

It remains to be seen whether Everton will continue their pursuit of Dibling, but Southampton are right to be moving behind the scenes to plan for his departure, even if he ultimately stays anyway.