Southampton are back at invoking Everton's Tyler Dibling aspirations. After all, no club wants to have a regretting transfer choice stick with them.
Last night, Southampton played a chaotic Northampton Town game where possessions were the most devalued asset on the pitch. The Saints used to find their feet on the ball and almost instantly, two chances would go untaken at both halves of the field.
In transfer terms, it was as much rollercoaster football as the Tyler Dibling transfer plot. When Saints fans get an impression of the 19-year-old being destined to stay, a U-turn always has to happen and set up a tense transfer weekend for the Southampton faithful.
As much as Everton's Jack Grealish decision can be questioned, they have gathered a new forward for themselves. Hence, Southampton should look into other affairs, but no, they are busy pegging Everton into a "re-think it again" loop.
Saints are fueling Everton to shape a failed or successful Dibling call
In his own words, Florian Plettenberg mentioned: "Southampton have made a counter-offer to Everton regarding Tyler Dibling. Everton can accept this offer at any time, which would trigger the deal. An offer of €30–31 million + add-ons was rejected. Southampton’s valuation has always been set at €55–65 million. The counter-offer is likely to be slightly lower."
Simply said, Southampton are trying to sell Everton some good front three dreams about a top half finish. From a fan point of view, it's like Saints are telling Dibling won't single handedly strengthen Everton but they insist the Toffees get freed from any later regret popping up in their head.
Anything like what Premier League highs Moyes and his men could have achieved by roping in another pair of attacking hands. If convinced, Saints couldn't have asked for more.
If not, then this tactic will lead Everton to watch Dibling's progress from a distance and then, possibly, build both inner guilt and a growing spending desire for the teenager.