Liverpool are ready to meet Southampton’s £51 million asking price for Tyler Dibling, all but ending West Ham United’s pursuit of the 19-year-old winger, according to Hammers News.

The Reds’ firm interest comes just months after West Ham began closely tracking the teenager, who has impressed during a tough season in the Championship.

West Ham’s recruitment lead, Kyle Macaulay, is understood to rate Dibling highly, with manager Graham Potter also admiring the Saints talent. Both reportedly saw Dibling as a long-term replacement for Mohammed Kudus.

Liverpool’s Spending Power Leaves West Ham Behind

As reported by Hammers News, Liverpool stepping up with a concrete bid has knocked West Ham out of contention. One source told the outlet that the amount Liverpool are prepared to spend “blows the Irons out of the water”.

Former striker Gabby Agbonlahor had commented earlier in the year that a move to Anfield might be “too big” for Dibling at this stage. He suggested a more gradual step, such as joining West Ham, may have been better for his development. But new Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who has taken over from Jurgen Klopp, is said to be a strong admirer of the winger.

Slot’s backing, coupled with Liverpool’s push to invest in emerging talent following last season’s Premier League title win, seems to have made the difference.

West Ham Face Familiar Obstacle in Financial Gap

The report brings into focus the financial gap between clubs like Liverpool and West Ham. While the Irons continue to work under tighter budget constraints and may need to sell before buying, Liverpool can spend freely on high-upside players.

There has been talk that Kudus could even be among those sold to raise funds, particularly with interest from several top European sides. Liverpool had also kept tabs on the Ghanaian international, but their focus now seems fixed on finalising the Dibling deal.

If players like Luis Diaz or Harvey Elliott were to leave, it could make space for Dibling to break into the first team more quickly.

Who is Dibling?

Dibling, formerly on Chelsea’s books, has built a strong reputation for himself at Southampton. He’s considered one of the best young attacking players in the country.

Russell Martin, who coached him at St Mary’s, once said the teenager “will go on to be one of the best players around for club and country.” Those words may now be tested at Anfield, where opportunity and expectation will both be huge.

For West Ham, this likely means returning to the drawing board in their search for young, forward-thinking wide options this summer.