UEFA Champions League crucial to Manchester United's pursuit of Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling - Paper Round

Published 18/04/2025 at 23:19 GMT+1

Winning the UEFA Europa League and therefore qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League would reportedly provide Manchester United with the financial muscle to sign Tyler Dibling from Southampton. Meanwhile, The Red Devils are the "front-runners" to sign Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo this summer, and Manchester City are leading the race for Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest.

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Man Utd must win Europa League to sign Dibling

Manchester United will only pursue a move for Southampton sensation Tyler Dibling this summer if they qualify for the UEFA Champions League, it has been claimed.

To do that, Ruben Amorim's side must win the UEFA Europa League — first by beating Athletic Club in the semi-final, then overcoming either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in the final in Bilbao.

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The Red Devils could then have the financial muscle to sign 19-year-old Dibling, according to a report in the Mirror.

"Manchester United are primed to launch a mega-money deal for Southampton star Tyler Dibling - but face one significant hurdle," reads the article.

"The teenager, who has been a shining light for the dismal Saints this season, is at the top of the club’s summer shopping list.

"Southampton have reportedly already put a £100m price tag on Dibling as they attempt to fight off interest from United, as well as their Premier League rivals Tottenham. German side RB Leipzig are also in the race for his signature.

"And while the Red Devils are interested, Ruben Amorim’s side still have work to do in order to thrash out a deal. According to ESPN, United will only step up their interest in Dibling should they qualify for the Champions League.

"A spot in the competition will boost their transfer funds considerably, with the Southampton starlet a potential target. It is also suggested that Ipswich striker Liam Delap and a new midfielder are also on their shopping list."

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United are also the "front-runners" to sign Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo this summer.

A report in the Metro suggests Man Utd could beat Liverpool and Chelsea to signing the Ghana international, who has scored 11 goals in all competition this season.

"Manchester United are leading the race to sign Chelsea and Liverpool target Antoine Semenyo in the summer transfer window, according to reports," reads the article.

"Andoni Iraola’s side, who paid just £10m to sign Semenyo from Bristol City in 2023, are in no rush to sell the Ghanaian international who still has four years left on his current contract.

"However, the south coast club are willing to reluctantly cash in on the 25-year-old if their £70million valuation is met.

"While it is still early stages, Sky Sports reports that United are the ‘front-runners’ to sign Semenyo, with Ruben Amorim said to be a big admirer of the versatile forward.

"United, however, will not get a free run at Semenyo, with a host of top Premier League clubs interested in the Bournemouth attacker."

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Man City lead race to sign Gibbs-White

The Daily Mail claims Manchester City are leading the race to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest.

The Citizens are eager to boost their midfield this summer, with Kevin De Bruyne leaving the club on a free transfer.

Gibbs-White is said to be a target for Pep Guardiola's side after a hugely impressive campaign at Forest.

"Manchester City are considered frontrunners in the pursuit of England international Morgan Gibbs-White this summer," states the outlet.

"New director of football Hugo Viana is set to reshape City’s squad over the coming months, with central midfield a key area to strengthen after the club opted against offering Kevin De Bruyne a new contract.

"Liverpool and Manchester United have been credited with interest in Gibbs-White but Mail Sport understands City will lead the race once the campaign is over.

"Gibbs-White is close friends with Phil Foden, who named his former England Under-17 World Cup-winning teammate godfather to his first child, Ronnie."