Newcastle makes Tyler Dibling transfer target: Report
01/05/2025 10:00 AM
NUFC cannot stop looking for young blood.
Newcastle United are exploring moves for Southampton's teenage sensation Tyler Dibling and Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, according to Daily Mail's Craig Hope.
Hope detailed the club's interest in the duo as part of their long-term recruitment strategy.
"Dibling was close to joining in the summer of 2022 and met with club staff during a visit to Tyneside," Hope wrote. "He had earlier caught the eye of Eddie Howe and the recruitment team after scoring a hat-trick for Southampton Under-23s at St James' Park when aged just 16.
"Dibling eventually signed for Chelsea, only to return to the Saints within two months after failing to settle in London."
Now 18, Dibling has become a key figure for Southampton despite their struggles in the Championship, registering two goals in 12 league starts this season.
"Sources have confirmed this week that the Magpies retain a strong interest and, with new sporting director Paul Mitchell having links to Southampton, we understand they are being kept abreast of his situation," Hope reported.
The player's current contract runs until 2026, with an additional one-year extension option, but negotiations over a new deal have stalled. Liverpool are also reportedly monitoring the midfielder's situation and could emerge as strong competition should they firm up their interest.
Newcastle are also keen on James McAtee, a 22-year-old Manchester City midfielder whose playing style aligns with Eddie Howe's preference for young, versatile English talents.
"McAtee also has admirers within St James' Park," Hope wrote. "Like Dibling, he can play as a winger and fits the profile of young English talent which Howe and the club have targeted in recent seasons."
Despite interest from several domestic and international clubs, McAtee's first-team opportunities at City have been limited, with only three Premier League substitute appearances this season.
City have set a £25 million price tag for McAtee, according to Hope, though Newcastle's January priorities remain focused on outgoings and first-team-ready, plug-and-play-type players.
For now, Newcastle appears poised to make their moves in the summer rather than January when it comes to the aforementioned two.
"Sources continue to insist that major incomings are unlikely in January," Hope reported. "Were McAtee to stay at City, it is an interest that could be followed up in the summer."
Both Dibling and McAtee fit the profile of players Newcastle are targeting as they continue to shape their squad under sporting director Paul Mitchell.
