The race for Toon target Tyler Dibling appears to be heating up as we enter the final week and a half of the January transfer window.

Ben Jacobs reported last night that Southampton had issued a ‘not for sale’ stance on the 18-year-old talent, while Sky Germany revealed that RB Leipzig are the latest club to show interest in the exciting winger.

Today, Sky Sports News have issued another update on Dibling’s future, naming THREE Premier League clubs Newcastle may be competing with and Southampton’s whopping asking price.

Dibling price tag goes public

In a Wednesday afternoon update, Sky Sports are now reporting that Southampton are demanding £55m for Tyler Dibling this month.

They state that the relegation-bound Saints are determined to keep him until the summer and will demand a premium if he’s to leave midway through the season, as so many clubs do.

Sky also reveal some of the competition we’ll face for the teenager, stating that Aston Villa, Chelsea, Tottenham are all monitoring his availability, along with RB Leipzig; who came in well below Southampton’s demands with a £25m proposal.

After several enquiries, it’s believed a number of unnamed clubs have indicated a willingness to pay around £40m for Dibling, but it seems he’ll be staying put this month unless someone agrees t pay at least £55m.

Mitchell eyeing summer move – but will that be too late?

The Mail’s Craig Hope reported earlier this month that Paul Mitchell and Eddie Howe are big fans of the teenager, with Mitchell eager to negotiate an end-of-season deal with his former club.

However, it seems there is now a long list of clubs eager to sign the fleet-footed wide man who has no shortage of admirers across the Premier League and Europe.

Dibling is a huge talent and an ideal profile for Howe’s Newcastle, but I can see why the club are not making an early move if Southampton’s January demands are set at £55m.

It’ll be tough to sign him over the summer, with offers likely to be through the roof if and when the Saints go down, but January is always a tricky time to sign quality players and Dibling’s asking price proves that.